origin

I heard we came from the ocean 

As aquatic microorganisms we multiplied, mutated, migrated 

Did we dance the currents? play chase in the eddies? 

Once a single unified body of movement 

Before being dragged in different directions by the drift 

We shifted our shape for the snow and sun, for the swamps and sand 

We became islands 

Our waters broke as we boasted, battled and brawled to be the best of beasts 

Spurred on by a relentless need to claim this world 

A world, already ours 

Without prejudice, we pillaged her, for power, prominence and prosperity 

Billions of years to prove that we have not evolved at all 

The deep is not concerned with tribes and politics, hierarchies and economies 

Confused by our compulsion to construct castles of consumption, a counterfeit cornucopia 

The ocean sighs her regret.  With intake of breath, she expands and rises 

To drown our deceit? Or submerge us from shame?  

Perhaps preparing to persuade her prodigal progeny to pay penance? 

Or an invitation to return home 

So that she may try again 

Nadia Freeman is a New Zealand born writer and musician of Indian and Scottish heritage, currently living in Edinburgh.  She is a regular writer for Mxogyny and her work is influenced by her personal experiences as a migrant of mixed-race heritage and by her professional work on social concerns in health, equalities and the environment. You can find information about her music, poetry and events on Facebook, Bandcamp, Instagram or her through her website.