By Oksana Mauricio
PROMPT — Who am I today?
when melancholic sounds of quiet tears
fell one by one —
like salty ocean seas
a fragrance of mist traveling my nostrils
deepening inside my nose hairs
smooth and turbulent at the same time
it started with an evil look.
how could a far away sister
in its carnality have such magical
powers to enter my dreams and curve
dark spells with her Chinese eyes
truth is that siblings' fights and arguments are endless —
those times when words aren’t crossed
and body language stands out as she stood perplexed with
hands propped in her wide African hips
taking up the room’s light energy
with sucked honeyed lips
I turned into the bee version
desiring to sting her for interrupting
my Niece and I's conversation
she was not invited
and for that sin, she hasn’t forgiven me
always her weapon of retaliation
more gossip traveling Portugal
whispering lies at my mother’s ears
then to defend her youngest
Momma tranquilized my Sister
by whispering back: She was actually on your side.
Oksana N. Mauricio was born in Angola, Africa. She is a writer, educator, singer, and songwriter. Oksana’s poetry has been published in the Journal of Expressive Writing, Moonstone Arts Center, and as part of the International Women’s day Anthology. She enjoys nature walks, reading, basketball, playing guitar, and skateboarding. She writes from Los Angeles, CA.