an innocent woman

(9.17.19 prison letter)

you yourself,

I hear the splash of the tub. this is the day after our words bound us to that splashing, bound us to cracks and faults. I had to tell it this way:

you were knocked down, with a swallow’s shrill warning. it was a fight for air around your skin, the pull like magnets, drawing my attention away. you knew it best to hold on tighter, dissension the centrifuge. you are of the spirit now, and as such, I find myself in possession of a man’s boasting tongue, raising my throat to slaughter. this is how I am deceived and my heart won’t budge. a sword to take my head and a sword to deny that sword. you, yourself have become this.

I couldn’t accept it at first, I couldn’t take the thought and I saw your tears, but on this day with the sound of the tub splashing I heard you say, “ childlike in my strength”.

I fold my legs under your words and the vision spoke in rich texture…all your faith could deliver (Matthew 18.2–3). no this innocence is not a symbol (Matthew 2.28–32).

it isn’t always comfortable to tuck my head and speak in those low tones, but it is said in those tones the way you suffer for me. it is easy to say it… an innocent woman can’t stop this suffering.. it is easy to say it

art credit : la viaggiatrice immobile immaginazione