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Poetry On Odyssey: A Letter To My Unborn Child

Inspired by Jamaica Kincaid's, "Girl"

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Poetry On Odyssey: A Letter To My Unborn Child
Leandro Cesar Santana

Always wash the dishes by hand – dishwashers cripple you and you’ll always expect a hand out in life; don’t leave pots on the stove and clean the kitchen before you go to bed, and make sure you pour bleach in the dish water, because cleanliness is next to Godliness;

When you sweep the floor, make sure not to sweep yours, or other peoples feet; when/if you do, spit on the bristles of the broom three times – its bad luck not to do so; sweep your doorstep and keep it clean – it keeps demons and wandering spirits away; this is how you keep a clear conscious.

Sleep with a full cup of water next to your bed to trap vengeful spirits away and to assure your sweet dreams; pour the water out as soon as the sun rises so they won’t be released; when you bathe, wash behind your ears – you don’t know what devil tried to plant a seed in your head; wash the target off your back; keep Neosporin, peroxide, and Band-Aids on your hip – you will fall many times and sometimes you will need to dress your own wounds; when you fall, try and land on your back – because if you can look up, you can get up; this is how you gain strength.

When someone spits at your feet, walk right through it; if the girl who’s been taunting you slaps you, turn your good cheek; you aren’t a doormat – don’t let people wipe their dirt on your face; you aren’t a puddle – don’t let them walk all on you; always be a tree planted by the rivers of waters that brings its fruit in the season with un-withering leaves; this is how you fight your enemies.

Not all blood is thicker than water, but you are your brother and sisters keeper; never say you hate each other – you are all of one flesh, so that is to say you hate yourself and your mother; when one of you has something that the other doesn’t and is in need of it, share it; always share your food- the day might come when people will fight for their lives for a crumb.

Jealousy is poison – never envy one another; stand back to back and take on the world together because the world is conspiring your demise always; there’s strength in numbers; care for each other in old age; this is your blood.

Love them more than you love yourself; society will tell you that what you two share is not enough – always hearken into your own heart; see it its attune with his; be selfless; write him love letters for the sake of love; when in doubt, write it out; when you argue, step outside and watch the clouds – that’s how you keep the peace; if fate would have it, you will have more than one “love”; one who teaches you; one who breaks you; the one who molds you back together; this is your soul mate; but don’t let the first two’s mistakes be the spoil for the bunch; this is how to love another

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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