When it comes down to it, even love is not a strong
enough illusion to keep you soft. You will clot like
granite, and when the day come s that you have to
look a self-appointed god in the eye, you will tell
them you cannot worship them without stuttering.
What exactly about me angers you most? It is that
I am both black and alive? Two crimes existing
simultaneously. I would peel off this skin and keep it
somewhere safe if I could. But every morning I have
to wake up and do my best impression of a moving
target and hope I make it home in one piece. Because
when it comes down to it, even blackness is not a
strong enough illusion to keep you safe.
poetry and cover art by -sumaya e
Sumaya (she/her) is a 21 year old poet and sometimes a med student. Follow her Instagram for more poetry.
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