MY MACUMBA
 
 

A bird crashed out of the sky
His spirit lodged in my throat
I could feel it choking me
And I couldnt breathe

Macumbeira spread out her shells on the table
"My daughter," she told me
"The hand of your Mother, Iemanja, will hold you
The Queen of the sea is your saint
Youll fall down. But when the spirit leaves you
It will be as though he never existed
Go. And bathe in the essence
Of white medicinal roses
Then make your appeal to the saint."

Waves broke into stallions
Mottled grey in the night
I lit a candle
And walked into the ocean
Pouring wine for the goddess

A bird cried out in my throat to be free
I fell down
And when his spirit left me
My innocence
My self-confidence
Returned