there is a space
deep within me
that is untouched
that is old
centuries of sacred
rooted wisdom
within me
pulsing through my veins
resilience
is my birthright
joy
is my birthright
belonging
is my birthright
protection
is my birthright
ease
is my birthright
hope
is my birthright
life
is my birthright
and i will claim these
loudly
i will guard these
fiercely
i will stake my claim
to myself
i will come home
to myself
i will belong
to myself
i will hold on
to myself
and the millennia of
connected breaths that make me me,
tears that salt my bones,
laughs that coat my lungs,
kisses that bless my cheeks,
prayers that cover my skin,
dreams that make my chest rise and fall—
i am home.
i am home.
i am home.
