After therapy, I wanted this body to breath

wanted out of the dust like a genie but healing took time.

After trauma, my body, a universe reborn stirring 

within my core,

swam naked into the Nile facing the sun

not as an offering but thirsty to find that kingdom

Where are all the mermaids?

who live on their own far from men who gaze at bodies,

men who dictate fate.

Wash me of uninvited entries,

fingerprints, scents.

Open your arms, take in bone, skin, soul.

I plunge three times

Once as farewell to before

Once for the birthing of now

Once more for this blessing for this skin