Blackboards rinse chalk dust
Into my eyes, and there’s
a Fante song stuck in my throat
with nowhere to go, the way
I am always dreaming of being
in five places at once, and of
having things I do not have. All
the borders around my body
dissolve into a haze of lights like
the ones over the hill behind
my grandfather’s farm. See?
My grandfather does not have
a farm, and I do not have
a grandfather.
On Sunday morning, I walk to the nail salon
and try to remember all the house numbers and
their corresponding colors—
I know nothing about this place,
but if I look pretty and smile at the
neighbors, I bet this could be heaven.
My feet nuzzle into pavement and
count the number of bricks
that promise to turn me over to
myself.
Me,
who cannot remember
what it is I have lost
My church—all forms of it,
White Jesus, Post-Colonial Witches—
collapses at my feet,
Everything is too tiring to praise.
*******
The image in this post is an adapted from an original image by Sara Biljana Gaon (off) via Flickr.
About the Author:
Debbie Frempong is a student of religion and politics in the puzzling metropolis of Boston. She enjoys reading, writing and cooking all her meals with too much pepper.
Bruce Simonds November 11, 2017 20:20
Your smile....is like cold lemonade on a hot day in Texas. But I know you might go someday. And then I'd have to consult with my Advisors Examine my options And assemble my weaponry.....I MIGHT EVEN HAVE TO USE MAKEUP! This poem was shown to me by a fellow poet, a black girl with an ipad. I supplied the last line, which she liked...I have no idea of her name, I just thought she was nice, and talented too. Whoever seeks to profiteer from this thrice-cheated girl's creativity shall surely die a thousand deaths daily forever and a day. then write the nature of their sin on the blackboard until they decide honor is worth its weight in Saturnium. Give to a good charity. Spread the word. I know there aren't enough hours in the day. "But your sorrow will turn to Joy." --Jesus.