original sin

the most shameful parts of my body

are the oldest ones

the ancient animal urges handed down by my foremothers

heirlooms of disgrace

they are Eve in the garden,

and the divine inevitable

the first time a woman wanted

this is my inheritance of desire

a longing that I cannot look in the face,

passing in the street like strangers

one day I will hold it,

carry it like a gift