Church Basement Thrift Shops

26

Maybe 15 years later

About 12 since I noticed

Now I understand

The indifference towards the excitement of rummaging

through racks of used, dirty clothes

walking through the rows at thrift shops

trying to find something that fits

something in my style

that doesn't smell

isn't ripped

tattered

old

there's no longer curiosity

interest

excitement

desire

with my drawers of new items

unworn by anyone but me

a life cycle that lives and dies

with only me

i no longer have to sift through others

sift through w hat wasn't mine

to figure out how it'll benefit me

how a window screen could be an earring rack

an old red jacket could be a fashionable Marlboro vintage piece

there are more options now

there are viable options

options for me to choose

decide differently

move differently

live

live

live

by my own definitions

my own dollar

my own actions

my own decisions

thank you my lover

my best friend

my reason to live

my desire to thrive

you are my everything

you are my light

my north star

my affirmation

the spirit loved by red cardinals

the mermaid in Waters with ArielSimms

Raven.

Raven Carmella Waters

you are divine

bottom of the barrel

scraping for life

you hold the deep knowing

you are beyond your own comprehension

and am blessed to live abundantly in search of

• 16 March 2023 | Washington D.C. •