To Cassandra

Anna Kate Daunt

when the god of light asked to fuck you– 
where did you trouble denying him?

I wanted what a man could give:

You grew tired of being bought

He had blue eyes
not bright blue

you did what all men do

Blue like a bruise

with consequences 

I covered by wearing a turtleneck 
In the summer.

you broke one promise 
now no one believes your truth

I faulted my womb, it didn’t close,
Never could tell him no

Couldn’t afford the opportunity of  
your own body

No one believed me either
Maybe I misunderstood 
Asked for this

You knew these binds would 
Outlast you 

Prophecy extends beyond words: 
My body becomes your truth.