translations of an ancient text

.           for Chris L. Butler

 

in the new world we still say jawn

.           {n.} as in the spot, {n.} the lick, {n.} the good good, {n.} the what i need
.          .          .           at this moment.

.           {v.} as in the words i forget
.          .          .           are special until i am holding them
.          .          .           again in my arms.

 

in the new world we still say we done…

.           {n.} as in inevitable.

.           {v.} as in never question
.          .          our mother’s capable hands.

.           {v.} as in the way she breaks
.          .          the chicken at the joint, severs the spine, always finds
.          .          enough meal for two meals in one split bone.

 

in the new world we retired the word {n.} cop, and {n.} {v.} police, and {n.} prison, and
{v.} remain silent, and {v.} silencing, a list of words we no longer need to govern
us, like {n.} government, or {n.} president, or {n.} whiteness.

in the new world we still say what’s gud, g?

.           {n.} as in hello my love
.          .          that i cannot name love in public.

.           {v.} as in i am here
.          .          for you to talk or not talk about it all.

.           {v.} as in let me unfold
.          .          the table of my palms and bring sweet fruit to your mouth.

.           {adj.} as in i’m choosing to ungroom this tongue
.          .          for you. blessed boy running from his own chalk shadow.

.           {adj.} as in i’m sorry i do not have more to spare.