how to treat a stain

by Zoe Mae Huot-Link

step one
breathe
in and out
this is how you practice reclamation

waves engulfed your body
now begins a new life

step two
   know there are no winners
   you are worthy of new beginnings
   you don’t need an apology from a wolf

to replant your words
the world is still good

step three
   return to the ocean
   it is alright to feel everything
   know it is not your fault

   salt water may have killed your garden
   but your veins breathe the same

step four
blot out the stain with tears
you may replant here
underwater

the landscape may change
but you and i are brave

was born and raised in Maplewood, Minnesota. She is a winner of the Manitou Creative Writing Fellowship of the Literary Arts Institute at the College of Saint Benedict. She studied ancient calligraphy and martial arts in China at Southwest University. To process constructs of femininity and power she makes art, plays guitar, and writes poetry. Her work has been published by For Women Who Roar, The Antonym, and Grim & Gilded; among others. Find her work at https://zoemae.art.