Read Poem: Brown Sugar Manifesto (An Onion’s Dating Manual), by Rachel Chitofu

Be a loner, kiss mirrors in private
Shake hands with none other than God
Always wear your hood over your head
Monetize your blinks, your eyes are rocket science

Come on, you treacherous creature, don’t give up
On that incredulously diabolical rhythm
Cooking in your heart, every tendon an olive
Or a leaf of rosemary

And one day, you will overpower the Romans
In their own kingdom, it is said and yet to be done
Yes, it is said that you will do it, God has chosen you
And your skin, browner than a mud-stained t-shirt

Or the meticulously chosen white welcome mat
Many have trekked mud on, after indeed welcoming themselves home
Shine, my darling, like your name was Piccolo
Picked from a tree of silver naartjies, a tribute to the village chief

Bow, but don’t break your not-so-all-round neck
But anytime, I’ll fold your arms into mine, my love
Kiss the trembling stars into your mouth
Feel the sting of their candy hues, bizarre and melting

Like a bubble bath, it’s amazing what we’ve got going
Between us, this horizon is now a neon liver of love
Flowing my heart to yours, I thought I’d maybe write
You a poem, while the whole world is benched

And there’s not a single one to cover us
From the adolescent moon beams that have tried in vain
To love like each of us does the other.