I felt the pounding of the yam// Deep, deep down in my bones
I know the pistil is doing me harm// When my body creaks in hushed tones.
I’ve seen the fire start// Watched the embers glowing
I taste the burn in my heart// As my pain continues growing.
I hear the pepper grinding// And it turns my mind to mush
I see the red so blinding// Staining my soul in a rush.
I cry when the onions are sliced// And when the rice husks are blown
I shouldn’t have been enticed// But I was– and now I’m alone.
I brought the fire// I gave the wood
I took their lives// And now, nothing stood.
I made the knife that stabs me so
I caused the pain and now it won’t go.
It was me, the Earth// I am my own death.
