even when my nails are ten half naked little sluts, wet with spit & suggesting some need to be held, when my eyes unzip their sequin dress, lay open naked & undone, waiting, even then, humbly you come, & praise your hidden claws, polished or not, half smiling or not, my standoffish sister, stank face sister, praise due unto you oh flat & sturdy shoe, oh generous allowance, who would not speak to tell a lie, who once hushed growls back, snarling necessary & good, oh forearm strong, knee cap strong, heel brought down on every violent doubt, oh dear, elaborate gift given for good & any reason i choose, how you come wrapped extravagant with bows, ribbons dragged over the sharp side of scissors curling over & over thick like black girl hair, my mama gave me this trick, gave me this slick tongue taut tight against every expectant hush, washed each seductive silence with permission, grand permission, oh good & gracious consent you true & constant friend: glory, you are mine