Thursday, April 27
"THIS UNIVERSE, MY MOST DOCILE & STUNTED"
this universe my most docile & stunted
weapons rounded into words, my work
so undangerous, they untapped my phone
found no threat, the shame i felt. my oppressors
fear me not. they see their chains
working. universe where i'm on fire & laughing
as my master screams on fire, teach me the surprise
in the middle of obedience. give me the road
of the final glee, you giggling ash, shiver i feel
bowing my head on the street.
& universe where i'm a late queen, Christ-locked
& fat off Friday fish, rumor robed lonely
next to gray angels, i ask your late volta
long-avoided birth, that not-yet-then
-now, i need a new bravery. i don't want to live
a coward's peace. where's my mission?
what world awaits at the use of my hands?
(Danez Smith)