A steady pulse
then everything crescendos...

There is someone my age, your age,
who has pushed forward the date...

Who are you?
I am not MYSELF...

The cops are afraid
when Black men move a muscle...

Their howls
pierce the evening...

Transparent ribbon
swivels around my thumb...

Between my first and three hundredth hello,
I could still never quite land my feet in a place...

Put down your drink, whatever it is, set it aside.
I know you seek comfort now but will you be...

You didn't read the forecast today,
didn't plan on the heavy raindrops...

An owl hooted belligerently
during the night, throwing me...

they won't ask if you're not presenting
a closed art gallery...

You're weighing if you'll be around
to see me fall in love with you...