still – ing – Sonuga

STILL

There is joy in the unfolding
in the peeling back of layers
growing of new skin

there is joy in the fire
pulling the flames from our chests
rebuilding from ash and bone

our limbs
were not created to bend this way
to claim broken instead of beauty
we have weathered greater storms

there are higher mountains to climb
still
we weave beauty with our teeth
strike lightening with our hair
hold forever in our palms

we are alchemists
making potions out of salt water tears
salve for open wounds
our scars are cliffnotes
we wear anger like an old coat
but our hearts still beat forgiveness
again and again