Astrological Binds Poem by Aida Santos

for Raquel


My astrologer said
I’ve got the Cancer in me
foiled against the Leo
when I was born, the Crab
must have been lying by the Lion
what a strange combination!
The Crab, creature of the water
tough outside, oh so soft inside.
We usually retreat once wounded
into the home of our strength
gathering dreams again
as we sleep numbing our sorrows.
We lay inside, almost unmoving
until the roar of the ocean
in the womb of our wombs
calms down, wind turning to a gentle breeze
slowly, we crawl out, braver
for another battle.
I’ve got your Cancer, sister
we have touched our scars
we have flowed tears together
the oceans of our lives.