Knot, Another Rose Bush Poem by Nika McGuin

My jade plant has long since lost
the red tips at the end of her leaves.
She no longer tries to resemble rose petals.
Instead, jade holds her succulent head high
facing the sun, just like any other plant.
She has grown well in this Louisiana weather.

My Hair too stopped trying to be like others, 'tis such bosh.
This mane is of a different strand than that which requires not
such preparation as twisting, and detangling before each wash.
For them hair flows unshrinkingly in the shower, with few knots.

I wanted to try it once, I thought I'd feel freed.
instead unraveling became a bothersome affair
because my own common sense I failed to heed.
Nor did I bear in mind, the needs of my own hair.

Lady jade is not like the celebrated rose bush,
but in every respect she is just as lovely.
These coils are like my people - of the Kingdom Kush.
Thus, they are not straight, and need not ever be.