the word

In the beginning
was NOT the word.

We were born
free of thought
and explanation.

In the beginning
was breath and nipple.

We learned to breathe
and press our lips
against the mother
before we spoke.

We learned to kiss
before we cursed.

In the beginning
was not the word.

Word is bond.
Bondage.

We were born free.

Language was
our first Master.

Until we mastered it.

Then we learned to ask
for what we could not reach.

The word empowered us.

Until we forgot
all about the mother
and the silent power
of a kiss...

Saul Williams