power once felt

the half way mark

I walk home with a bag full of groceries. Crowds of people on my street linger from Sunday’s open market. 

It’s 8:30PM, the sun is still out. 

Cars squeeze through the once closed street. 

The rain is gone! Someone yells. 

I cross onto the sidewalk. Fisherrr plays and a girl with a red bucket hat and glasses immediately begins to dance. It’s infectious, a few others join. The music travels and so does the energy. 

Right before I reach the outside of my place I see a man with a boa wrapped around him. Dark brown, golden scales. Black outlining the patterns. 

I’m frightened, but intrigued. 

What’s her name, I ask. 

Africa

She nods her head at me, slithers her tongue. 

I tell him, that she seems powerful, and it’s scary. 

He smirks “very powerful” 

As if he has obeyed her orders in bringing her outside.

She has an aura of strength and calmness around her. Despite the crowds of people shuffling back and forth between moments that will bring them into the present. 

An addicting feeling. 

Being present. 

I feel it this summer, in solitude, in the company of my care system, my friends. 

I am in NY just for the month, but a packed month it is. 

I write this in preparation to gather the rest of my things. My packed belongings, choosing what will stay and go with me into this next chapter.  My nails are chrome green, a heart tooth gem is glued on my teeth, I have glitter on my eyes. Ornaments to adorn this movement and moment.

Things are aligning, things are falling apart. Through the fall though there is clarity. Sharp sharp clarity. 

Any circumstance, relationship, moment that is not right. 

Swiped away with the fierce fangs of a jaguar that move with precision and discernment. 

I realize that my curiosity has been stunted for some time now. Lilith has been calling me for a while. Destroying what’s in site out of rebellion. Behind her lies a little girl, ignored and forgotten. 

I will take care of you now I say. 

Without the judgment of an adult. With exploration and wonder as my guardians. 

I end with this lengthy quote I found in a dusty bookshelf from

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare

Through the forest have I gone,

But Athenian found I none

On whose eyes I might approve

This flower's force in stirring love.

Night and silence.

 Who is here?

Weeds of Athens he doth wear.

This is he my master said

Despised the Athenian maid.

And here the maiden, sleeping sound

On the dank and dirty ground.

Pretty soul, she durst not lie

Near this lack-love, this kill-courtesy.

Churl, upon thy eyes I throw

All the power this charm doth owe.

When thou wakest, let love forbid

Sleep his seat on thy eyelid.

So, awake when I am gone.

For I must now to Oberon.

AND a photo of Artemis

BIG LOVE BE WELL,

Jakari Wing

P.S. this is on repeat for me….