A review by caramels
The Tradition by Jericho Brown
5.0
Monotheism
Some people need religion. Me?
I’ve got my long black hair. I twist
The roots and braid it tight. You’re
My villain. You’re a hard father, from
Behind, it whines, tied and tucked,
Untouchable. Then comes
The night— Before I carry my
Mane to bed with me, I sit us
In front of the vanity. Undo. Un-
wind. Finally your fingers, it says
Near my ear, Your fingers. Your
Whole hands. No one’s but yours.
Some people need religion. Me?
I’ve got my long black hair. I twist
The roots and braid it tight. You’re
My villain. You’re a hard father, from
Behind, it whines, tied and tucked,
Untouchable. Then comes
The night— Before I carry my
Mane to bed with me, I sit us
In front of the vanity. Undo. Un-
wind. Finally your fingers, it says
Near my ear, Your fingers. Your
Whole hands. No one’s but yours.