I came / black girl
dark black girl
2nd generation city girl
mama gave me all she knew from what was torn between rebellion and
fear
I know fried spam and boxed potatoes
hot nights with white wet sheets over fans
I know the aroma of lost time / depressed eyes that shame your
sunshine
I know a dream deferred / every word
every pebble on its beach
I’ve swam on it
drowned myself in its waters more times than my fingers and toes
and I still have enough space on my back for you.
nikki skies for NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Nikki Skies 