a black woman's retreat: private sanity

a black woman's retreat:
private sanity

black women

who retreat to 

(the sanctity / sanctuary / seclusion) 

of their beds

with all the world has taken 

from them 

for rest

restoration 

with stress

for peace 

and quiet

finding relief

oftentimes, 

in the elevated weight 

of swollen feet 

these mothers and aunts

their tvs grant 

uncomplicated company

drifting to and fro

head wrapped, 

eyes go...

wondering adrift

the abyss of warm seas 

and dreams

until 

memories

of tomorrow's toil 

erk the new day 


/|\


this poem was written by me for mental health week, inspired by my mother and my girlfriend's aunt. 
women who escape the world and find calm in their beds. 
doors closed (occasionally barricaded by chair) to seize necessary solitude from the chaos beyond/before.