I Shook The Bones

In alignment with my methodology, here is a recording of me reading the poem below that I wrote entitled I Shook The Bones. Thank you for holding my words close as they have arrived to you throughout 2025. I hope y’all have a tender holiday season & a bountiful new year!

Cover Image of this piece, when viewed on the Assemblage: Baby’s Breath Publication’s home page, is I Looked and Looked and Failed to See What so Terrified You, from the Louisiana Project series, 2003 image capture; 2006 print by Carrie Mae Weems

I shook the bones
& nary a wish fell out.
The bones deal with what has
& what has, requires no wish 
but a prayer.

I shook the bones 
& they prayed 
over the rattling
dense ones in my body—

I shook the bones
& they prayed
wither slowly
& glide with 
the ease of oil 
dripping down rows
of corn.

Pray they don't pop too close to the kitchen—
pray they steer you home gently. 

I shook the bones/praying for home/& crying for when I'll feel it

make my bones rattle with glee, once again.

Please remember if you choose to quote this piece, share this piece, or any piece on this publication to always CITE BLACK WOMEN. Please always include my name Kay Brown (she/her) and a link to the publication of the Assemblage: Baby’s Breath substack in your sharing practice.

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