Boisterous applause
on the black of the pan,
bubbling eager
for bayou born hands.

Dark dusty skin
like the soil of homelands,
spiced with the method
of mother of mother.

White men on crosses,
black faces in photos,
of family from graveyards
or just beyond grasp.

exhausted linoleum,
faded by traffic,
of church shoes,
and paw pads,
by ambles
and drawls.

All I wanted was a night out on the town with her
With all the love and adoration that I promised her
Fitted cap on my head, felt like a trend setter
A mental slap from my momma; I should’ve known better.

Picked her up, and I was starin’ at her gorgeous outfit
Her fitted top, her cotton blouse, and lookin’ fine without it
Honored to stand beside her, I didn’t mind the clues
I found her very attractive wearin’ designer shoes

Took her out to dinner, we’re conversin’,
Lobster in citric acid – she devours, thinks it’s worth it
The in-house chef comes at our table and asks,
“This is the fifth time you’ve ordered,
So can you make this your last?”

The check is at our table; I offer to pay for it
She doesn’t even glance, pullin’ out her phone
I noticed her nails; she paid a lot for ‘em
Dinner was very painful
She wants me over? I'm startin' to see her fatal halo

On our way to her place, a man was gettin’ robbed
I’m shoutin’ at the attackers - she’s actin’ very odd
Tell her to call the cops to try and get these boys to stop,
“Sorry but I’m in a hurry! I’ll see you at the spot.”

Ten minutes later I’m racin’, and knockin’ at her door,
Reachin’ her place and I notice she’s pacin’ back and forth,
She’s on the phone with a “*****” who stole her ex from her
Angry detonation soon as she got a text from her

She tells a “Jada” on the phone, “***** I don’t give a ****!”
Jada responds “wantin' to let you know and wish you luck.”
But you can tell that she was jealous of Jada’s position
Her ex is treatin’ her better, happy with his decision

I’m wonderin’ what happened; turns out that Jada’s pregnant
“She thinks I care about that, knowin’ that I resent him!”
She claims she’s better than Jada in every single way
With self-respect and sayin’ prayers every single day

Seekin’ some validation, she’s beggin’ for a kiss
Intimate opportunity, she’s hopin’ not to miss
Her sweet, angel hazel eyes are lookin’ sour ‘cause
I’m just exhausted and feelin’ the witchin’ hour buzz

She lashes out; I see the reason why this girl is single
Admits to cheatin’ on her ex and so she’s out to mingle
Pulls out a lash and then proclaims that I should punish her?!
I’m out the door within’ seconds cause I’m so done with her!

Feast

Eat me darling
Devour every inch
Feast upon my willing flesh
And soothe my tortured itch

Here's milk for you to quench with
And cream for you to taste
Little nibbles here and there
Don't leave a bit to waste

Tie me to the table
And take of me your fill
Starter, main and dessert of course
Bend me to your will

And when you're full and sated
And can't take one more bite
I'll save all of the leftovers
For a little snack at night

Surrounded yet completely alone,
It's the rule that our mothers taught us, always stay together.

Together, entanglement binds it together,
Predators take at ease to engulf, consume.

Those that swim, flow solo.

So I remain huddled, I merge and now I'm surrounded,
All the same, completely isolated.

I stay for hope, protection and direction, is this a false impression?

Split, torn in silence I suffer, So I turn back to reflect,
"I had, I have control, right?"

I segregate and eliminate the feeling of metamorphosis,
From prayer to predator.

Now I've shifted gears, further up the food chain once more,
Again, I'm surrounded yet completely alone.

Though, this time I've grown!


*Poem by Lionelle Nsarhaza

Admiring a cookie
half dipped in hot milk
---plop