April 14: Sorrows

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Martha

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Apr 14, 2025, 6:46:33 PMApr 14

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Sorrows
Lucille Clifton

who would believe them winged
who would believe they could be

beautiful who would believe
they could fall so in love with mortals

that they would attach themselves
as scars attach and ride the skin

sometimes we hear them in our dreams
rattling their skulls clicking their bony fingers

envying our crackling hair
our spice filled flesh

they have heard me beseeching
as I whispered into my own

cupped hands enough not me again
enough but who can distinguish

one human voice
amid such choruses of desire

More Lucille Clifton:
blessing the boats | Jackie Robinson | wishes for sons

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