Yolanda Wisher

Sister Mable to Nina

When the asbestos come crowd
Behind my walls--That's when
Cancer become the other woman.
Cheat me outta life's gumbo.

When I put my black shawl 'way--
That's when I let you open me
Wide, gal. Like the mouths
Of gramophones.

Sometimes I figure you
A speculum 'tween wings
Of thighs. Raspy voice
Given me a good scratchin'.

Last night I was down by the old
Rezzy and your gravy notes came
Streamin' across the water
From Sista Evelyn's place.

Chile, my ears came gridlocked,
My hands fluttered to God. Swear
You my stainglass airplane
Straight to Jesus.

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     Yolanda Wisher recently received her M.A. in Creative Writing/Poetry from Temple University. She is currently a highschool English teacher at Germantown Friends School, as well as a fellow at Cave Canem, a retreat for black poets. Yolanda is co-founder of the community arts collective Poetry for the People.

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