Take pride, Black girl, in
Your eyes—keen, ablaze
Thick, comb-breaking hair in puffs
We were meant to be,
Here, in this place, now
Though told we’re others, outside.
Take pride, Black boy, in
Your smile—wide and bright
Long, wiry arms, perfect hugs
We deserve the sky,
Clouds, sun, stars and all,
Earthward they pull as we soar.
You’re worthy of life
But guilty at birth
Of living while Black—full stop.
The power in you
Cannot be measured
Narrow your life for no one
Quietly screaming,
Under masks and knees
Slowly on we trudge forward.
inspired by a haiku challenge (non-traditional haiku) and the Black struggle including police brutality