twoblueviolets

Inspired by Jesmyn Ward

I wish I could tell you how I mourn your innocence,

how I pray for a shield, 

a lesbian couple on my bus home from school 

a man in a punk battle jacket on the street 

my mother's female CEO group chat blowing up 

four of my teachers taking the following day off 

Repair the world, 

pull off the patterned papers. 

Leave the walls all bare and empty, 

no toll, free entry. 

34

An even number

A prime number

2

17 times

I can't count it on one hand

Not on two

Not even with my toes

And with a list of 34 felonies

We still elect

Him

A convicted felon

The circus masters release the red beast, 

its mane flowing, great fangs bared, 

ready to take a bite out of the audience, 

i wonder how many times he’s said i love you.//

i wonder how many flowers he’s gifted//, how many 

slow dances he’s danced, the ratio between//