My hands reached upwards and collected our people ’ s blessings , but I held it to my own
temples instead of pushing it backwards or forwards . I was deserving .
The room span with me , a dizzying blur of flowers and smoke . My feet were aching , and
my arms were burning but I danced . I danced for my pain , I danced for my happiness , I danced
for my Mama , I danced for Nani , I danced for me .
And as his voice disappeared completely , I danced on Papa ’ s grave .
*
We returned mid-a ernoon to our shack , without Papa . Having le him for the vultures .