luam/asa-luam

BY ARACELIS GIRMAY
the afterworld sea

there was a water song that we sang

when we were going to fetch river from the river,
it was filled with water sounds
& pebbles. here, in the after-wind, with the other girls,
we trade words like special things.
one girl tells me mai was her sisters name,
the word for flower. she has been saving
this one for a special trade. I understand
& am quiet awhile, respecting, then give
her my word mai, for water,
& another girl tells me mai is mother
in her language, & another says it meant,
to her, what belongs to me, then
belonging, suddenly, is a strange word,
or a way of feeling, like to be longing for,
& you, brother, are the only one,
the only one I think of to finish that thought,
to be longing for
mai brother, my brother