genesis 2018 final digital.pdf


Rita Marley and the Glitter Trail
Brelyn Jefferson

My hands gripped the knobby wrists of  girls

hissing and cursing, they suctioned their glittered
palms to every surface they could. I shirked

and I could hardly blame them. He thanked me

for removing the whirling swarm of  lace and silk, heavy
with makeup and perfume, their thin waists and skin

he called me for help. I trudged back to my room in lead slippers,
noting the glitter trail snaked down the hall. The discerning

every stage dressing room, every tour bus.

From my bed I watched my babies drift to sleep, wrapped in

their dancer feet bruised black from a night onstage.

like waves lapping at the tender shore after a hurricane,
and I slipped a secret smile from somewhere deep in
my chest and almost felt it swallow up the heartache.