LINE SISTER (Poem)

“Shared Bond” by Ademola Ojo (Oil on canvas, 2024)

LINE SISTER

By Farah Lawal Harris, 2025

You bleed, I bleed—

our monthlies in sync so we

lust, overeat, bloat and PMS on beat.

I thought of us when I seen a painting called

“Shared Bond” by Ademola Ojo,

how when tears carved lines in my cheeks,

you drew lines in yours for solidarity

and placed understanding hands on my heart.

“You and me, us never part,”

we would sing in sync, not knowing

that silence would replace clapping,

and assumptions would replace asking.

You bled, I bled.

We learned to forgive and redefine friendship.

We are practicing speaking aloud doubts and expectations.

When I feel lonely, I savor the sensation

of my sister from other mister

resting on and with me,

breathing in harmony.

I am thankful for nostalgic memories.

Even though we are now grown

with our own families and homes,

there remains space for you, sis.

Just pick up the phone.

—

Written for National Poetry Writing Month