I came down the stairs

one gate at a time.

Removed my robe,

my jewels,

my voice,

my name—

until I was nothing but breath

and body.

That’s how descent works.

You don’t fall.

You surrender.

I am Inanna.

Queen of Heaven.

Queen of Hell.

And I wear both crowns

like they were made for my thighs.

They called me goddess of love