Brenda (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, facilitator and graduate student in the Expressive Arts Therapy program at Lesley University. Her creative work is influenced by elements of nature, humanity, spirituality and womanism. She enjoys engaging with community members, families and youth through the arts.
I look to el cielo and the heavens above
And beg for an answer, will I ever find love?
‘Please, por favor, tell me what to do.’
The stars shine down and say,
‘Mami, the answers are all within you.
Trust in your soul, for its knowing is true.
Listen to the body, for it speaks to you too.
Mija, the answers are all within you.’
I look to la tierra and the earth beneath my soles
And beg for an answer, how will I reach my goals?
‘Please, por favor, tell me what to do.’
The bones of my ancestors say,
‘Mami, the answers are all within you.
Believe in your light, for it will shine through.
See with your heart and you’ll have a clear view.
Mija, the answers are all within you.’
I look to el agua and the creatures of the sea
And beg for an answer, how will I be free?
‘Please, por favor, tell me what to do.’
The waves crash to the shore and say,
‘Mami, the answers are all within you.
You are free in your mind and in your heart, too.
With each breath you take, you are born anew.
Mija, the answers are all within you.’
I can date who I want, I enjoy having sex.
You call me a whore but it’s your late night text.
I reject your words that were meant to demean
Because I know that I am not unclean.
I’ve been cheated on and I’ve been unfaithful.
Felt all the emotions that came with betrayal.
Saw with eyes that glowed envious green.
But even still, I am not unclean.
I’ve bled each month since I was thirteen,
Yet you say the sight of my blood is too obscene.
So I pay a fortune for “feminine hygiene.”
Even as I bleed, I am not unclean.
I am in love with this body of mine,
And yes, I will post self-portraits online.
I want to be heard and I want to be seen.
I’ll say it again, I am not unclean!
As the tears trail down, they cleanse my soul
Of dark energy this body can no longer hold.
Released back into the world, I pray for its renewal,
In the hopes that it will once again shine like a jewel
And bring someone joy, serenity and peace
In knowing that they too, are not unclean.