the birth of afrodite

words by Naomi Shumpert, art by Tori Ochave

Heavens kiss the sea &

I emerge

beneath branches of

weeping willows which

smooch-kiss sand

Pomegranate beads bounce

against my sea-soaked sienna skin

honey drips from my lips

too sweet for you to taste

Cherry blossoms

unfurl in my curls and coils

stretching skyward

I cover what you yearn for

Look into my eyes instead

Like gold from the sun

Take a seat and

let my brilliance burn

Though you deny it

I know you see me

I know you see me

I know you see me

I breathe life into myths

The first mother —

My skin reflects the cosmos

You want to dive in;

untethered &

get

lost