A: a poem by Zukiswa Mhlongo

I swim in a pool of As

They do not belong to me

I am the Scarlet A

My arms contort above my head in permanent prayer

My torso bends and twists into sideways plane

Until either my neck extends or my legs shorten

I am the bloody A

Frozen in pain

Bloodthirsty for perfection

I swim in a pool of As

In search for ones that will give me an identity

Not enough belong to me

A Poem by Zukiswa Mbalenhle Mhlongo, Wednesday 23rd June 2021