The Myth of Repetition

I would like to be subaltern to the possible,

           though I don't mean subaltern in the way

natives, in colonies overtaken by empires, 

           were stripped of property and their own 

agency, including their indigenous tongue.

.          What I mean to say is I wouldn't mind yoking

my view of the world to something that instructs me

           to let go of all I've been taught about knowing 

my place, or the belief any pleasure or reward could

           rightfully be mine to claim in the present.  

Historical trauma means walking around in the world

           with ghosts draped on your back as if this were 

ordained, as if you were nothing but their beast of burden—

          until the day you realize not all wounds are yours to bear.