They gave me silver rings and emerald necklaces,
Filled my ears with lies
And then filled my chalices.
They dressed me in smooth silk until I coughed pearls.
They promised to stay,
So, I spun, and I twirled.
I spilled my truths on the floor like a sacred brew.
Their tongues ran dry,
They told me they knew.
But I tripped on my words, and I ripped the dresses.
I told them to run
And clean up my messes.
They put snakes in my bed, yet they never strangled me.
They called me a witch,
Drowned in their jealousy.
It was clear they did not know much better than this –
They were sinking,
Dragging me into the abyss.
They gave me some rings and emerald necklaces,
Filled my cups with poison,
Then burned my palaces.
-Jackie
The Daily Writing of Jackie Wright 