how to treat a stain
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
Zoe Mae Huot-Link
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.