Dust

Sarah Kabamba

he traces the tattoo
of Africa on my back
tells me how he wants
to go back to Sierra Leone

he traces the tattoo
of Africa on my back
tells me how he wants
to go back to Sierra Leone
I want to ask him
how he can love a mother
land that chewed and spit
him out like broken teeth
but when I open my mouth
all I can taste is the grittiness
of sand. I’m scared
he’ll smell the graveyard I carry
behind my lips

Sarah Kabamba is a word-obsessed, tea-loving, fourth-year Law student with an English Minor. She believes in the power of words in constructing identity and recognizing the importance of family, beliefs, and culture. She currently resides in Ottawa, where she writes and reads as much as she can.

Pre-Order Our Next Issue

ROOM 47.1 Utopia
Join Room and Augur Magazine in our wanderings through dozens of different conceptions of utopia. Featuring new poetry by Larissa Lai and an interview with Whitney French.

Currently on Newsstands

ROOM 46.4 FEVER DREAM
From nightmares of forests, birds, compulsions, and the otherworldly, to dreams that bring the comfort of our ancestors, slip into the unconscious with this issue of Room.

Join us on Patreon

Become a RoomMate

Seeking members who love literature, events, merchandise, and supporting marginalized creators.


Subscribe to our newsletter

Be the first to know about contests, calls for submissions, upcoming events.

* indicates required
Share This