Being Freed from Slavery

Being freed from slavery
          might be like a woman out on her own
          who'll raise her eyes now to meet anyone
          and takes long baths with the door open
          steam drifting down the empty hall;
          might feel so good it makes you cry
          might be that lily floating in the tub that finally
          shuts you down, might be the echo of a slave song
          and rubbing your rough hands on your wet face
          and breathing
          breathing so much it's like a promise
          you heard long ago:
          a woman needs a man.