There’s a mirror
in my bedroom corner.
[framed with almost gold paint]
I can’t bring myself to hang it.
It’s too heavy.
I might place it
on an iron easel.

My face is a portrait too
--dusty mirrors are kind.
Soft lighting holds
my bronzed face and
golden, grapefruit neck.
Blemishes are well-placed.

Home is a black bra floor.

There’s mint gelato
in my crowded freezer.
*flecked with chocolate chunks*
I can’t bring myself to save it.
It’s too good.
I might finish it
tonight for dinner.

I don’t always cook
— two rooms for one.
My sofa says I’m doing fine.
I hope my TV says the same;
she’s the quiet type. Maybe
I will fix dinner this time.

Home is a microwaved minute.
...
Published in Q/A Poetry
​

I got the amazing chance to be a reader for the Magic City Poetry Festival's Shelter in Magic Reading Series. It's such an honor! There's so much talent here in Birmingham. Check out this video of me reading my poem, "Almost Angels": Video

- inspired by Us (dir. Jordan Peele, 2019)

THEN
To the fair!

When the fair comes to Fultondale, 
you go. Line up in the parking lot 
between Jack’s & China 1. 
Funnel cake & popcorn cravings. 
Wisps of cotton candy red
in your mouth. You’re not afraid 
of portable rides. Watch out 
for your little sister.

NOW
To the movies! 

It’s fun to watch people 
in the dark. People pretending 
to be people. Big as the screen, 
​small as the script: building
character. A black woman 
watches black girls watch 
each other in the dark. 
They are watching us. 

Do black girls live?

What will happen 
to black girls 
in a funhouse?

What will happen 
to black girls 
who are going

Downstairs, seeing themselves 
       Upstairs, freeing themselves 
            Upstairs, greeting themselves
                 Downstairs, beating themselves 
​
?  ?  ? 
They forgot us.
...
Published in perhappened mag

I done told you. America’s made of blood. 
Let them make a hard-ass bed and lie in it.

I know this: I love me, and God loves me. 

They can keep that hate right on outside.
You can’t put your knees on God’s neck.
...
Published in Versification
​#BlackLivesMatter