for Essaouira

my mother raised me
with fire in my belly

so when I meet the sea
big and endless 
something happens in me
my whole body shakes
my soul wakes
to the salt on my skin

all this time
the men in my life
have misunderstood

I don't love the sea
because it cools me down
because it soothes me

I love the sea
because at night
the waves roar loud
like the fire in me

so listen to me carefully
if you wish us

the sea doesn't drown me - instead it keeps me hungering

wanting
roaring
yearning

without
apologies