how a crack becomes a riff
for nina,
1.
in the hollow of your moan
there is blackness there is blackness
and a grunt that sparks genuis in your daughters
in the reach of your eyes
there is god there is god
and redemption for all your daughters
in the bend of your fingers
there are ripples there are ripples
that trouble the earth and the spirit
you complicate emptiness with your blackness
you complicate song with your rasp
you complicate sound like a stereophonic volcano
and bring light and bring light
2.
your mama called you eunice
your mama called you eunice kathleen waymon
your daughters call you
3.
salvation
a lover called you little girl a lover called you little girl
your daughters call you salvation
4.
your voice is an offering like palm oil like "hard candy" like ripe coconut
like white flowers like river water and sweet bread
5.
those who know your song know religion is resistance
know a crack is a potential riff and moan is a moan