I leave to find predators waiting for me 

Poised and graceful as they lazily gaze up at me from where they've curled up

I know whatever they ask of me 

I will do it 

Their mouths open

And my eyes can’t help but stay stuck on their teeth

Teeth that have 

smiled at me 

time and time again 

when their eyes have hoped to 

discard me

This is their moment 

Blood of Fatima, you are all that’s left, yes?

Yes.

Such a shame. 

I say nothing 

What could I have?

This is their den

As you overheard The Great Mother’s daughter has been kidnapped…

But they will bring her back if we give something of equal value. 

My hair stands at attention 

You are the last of your linege.

A proud, pure line.

It is your duty to commit your life to your home,

on behalf of your mother’s mother and your own sister. 

The words prickled at my mouth

Rivets streaming down the corner of my lips 

as I get again hold my tongue 

You will go to that tribe and be offered up as a bride.

You will serve who ever they marry you off to whole heartedly, 

without so much as a whisper of snide. 

You will never return here as the daughter of Fatimah. 

As of three hours ago, you are now a child of those damned cats.

Blood pools at my neck 

Trickling down my stomach and thighs as I do the only thing I could 

Yes Elders, thank you for the opportunity to serve the tribe. 

Go pack.

We shall take you there before your Aunty wakes…

Blood coating my feet

Footprints as red as the sky as when the Light first shown

I can help but think to myself 

Yet again another goodbye I will never get