Sovereign

I am not in love, but I am open to persuasion
- Joan Armatrading

I am 20
the first time I learn
how to persuade
my own body
my hands rocking
plaintively against my clitoris
past buds of curled hair sprung
in witness
to pleasure
those long afternoons
spooled
like a ribbon of ache: pliant,
bright incoherent

I am 34 the first time I divine
a flood between my thighs
screaming jesus
dazzled by my own making
how gorgeous how
lovely to rule hold dominion
over a universe reap
its harvest ready
and blooming

I tell you, I worship
at the curve of my breast, feed on it
as you would bread
and meat

I tell you, I have fed myself a thousand times
and come back calling my name
in a state of joy - wild, spinning and ready