Damazine - Trying to Express Myself

Trying to Express Myself
Nasira S. Abdul-Aleem - United States

I receive water in cupped hands
But it eludes me
Through pores between my fingers

I grab at it,
Squeeze it,
Lick my palms.

Unquenched, I cry
And drink my tears
As they trail into my mouth

While I grasp
For wisdom
Found from pain.

Nasira S. Abdul-Aleem is the daughter of folk singers. She studied at Quaker schools, then became Muslim in 1971. She has four children and nine grandchildren. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in psychology and social work.