Gone Girl

barefooted black girl
                       nappy hair in disarray

tears falling down the paths of predecessors

                       brown dress torn against bruised skin
chasing little boys down

                       dirt path roads
dust staining her black skin

                       chasing daddy

though he's long gone
                       ma's been crying for her to come back home

her grandmothers' prayers howling in the wind

Lord please guide her
                       back home

you poor girl

                      poor little brokenhearted black girl
these little boys can't love you

                       you poor girl
daddy should've taught you

                        what love is supposed to be

Are You There, God? It's Me, Jada.

Day 1:
Are you there, God? It's me, Jada. It's...been awhile. Too long, maybe. My grandmothers said that if I ever need anything, ask you and you will supply it. I feel bad for calling on you when I feel like I'm at my lowest...I will try to do my best from now on. But I need help. Please help me to get over this part of my life, heal my heart, and calm my spirit. Amen.

Day 11:
Are you there, God? It's me, Jada. I've had several conversations about whether or not you are real. It did bother me because I was raised in the church and hardly ever missed a Sunday service. But I got older and started to understand things more, and I saw things I just didn't understand. I really want to believe you exist. I've been in a lot of emotional pain...please. Help me. Amen.

Day 22:
Are you there. God? It's me, Jada. I haven't been sleeping. I keep having these dreams; my spirit is really bothered. Please protect me while I'm sleeping. I'm still in pain. I can't stop crying, and I don't know what else to do. Are you still listening? I need some kind of sign.

Day 31: 
Are you still there, God? It's me, Jada. I just wanted to say I know that was you. Thank you. When I lost religion, I found you. Amen.