Mariam

“No matter who your mama is, or how long she’s been gone, you can’t help but miss her. When you are born, she marks you with her milk, even if you never tasted her breast. That’s not hoodoo, it’s just the way the body and the spirit come together to make you a person.”
― Tayari Jones, Kin

“Cruelty has a human heart.”
― Racquel Marie, If We Survive This

“Getting comfortable is how you die. I’ve never been comfortable, though, not fully. Even when life was
gentle with me, my brain sensed the danger. How generous of the world to finally validate my fears.”
― Racquel Marie, If We Survive This

“Her bravery stands beside her fear as she bites down hard on her lip.
She’s already hungry for flesh.
“I’m glad it’s you.” Just this morning, she
held my knife. She didn’t want to hurt anyone then, or now. “You’re gentle
with them.”
It’s not true. I’m gentle when I am afforded it. She takes in a
long, shaky breath. Holds it, savors it. Closes her eyes and must feel the
burn in her lungs that screams life. Then, she lets it go.
“Please. I’d like
something gentle now.”
― Racquel Marie, If We Survive This