Kemo Sabe – Diane Glancy

In my dream I take

the white man

slap him

til he loves me.

I tie him to the house

take his land

& buffalo.

I put other words

into his mouth

words he doesn't understand

like spoonfuls

of smashed lima beans

until his cheeks

bulge.

Chew now, dear

I say.

I flick his throat

until he swallows.

He works all day

never leaves the house.

The floors shine

the sheets are starched.

He wipes grime

from the windows

until clouds dance

across the glass.

He feeds me

when I'm hungry.

I can leave whenever

I want.

Let him struggle

for his dignity

this time

let him remember

my name.