I’ve been away for a while, finishing up my preliminary exams and starting the dissertation process. My return is spurred by my desire to honor some of my favorite Black lesbian poets this month. Enjoy.
Have you Ever Tried to Hide?-Pat Parker
Have you ever tried to hide?
In a group
of women
hide
yourself
slide between the floorboards
slide yourself away child
away from this room
& your sister
before she notices
your Black self &
her white mind
slide your eyes
down
away from the other Blacks
afraid-a meeting of eyes
& pain would travel between you-
change like milk to buttermilk
a silent rage.
SISTER! your foot’s smaller,
but it’s still on my neck.
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