Sha’kym Holland

Brenau University, Gainesville, GA

A huntress stalks the lands

eyes trained on the ground

cautiously searching for

others – 

the haunted past of one’s ancestors,

stringing along trauma in their blood

lines waiting for the one who will

Break the Curse to

Elevate the Race –

teaching them how to navigate 

the terrains of politics and luxuries

in order to keep oneself secure –

Until the Blood is Freed of Trauma

and the child finally opens their eyes

to greet others with grace

instead of caution.