I wrote this poem back in November 2018, after reading James Baldwin’s novel, If Beale Street Could Talk—in response to the scene when Daniel was with Tish and Fonny, and him describing the horrific details about his experience in prison. Read and listen below:
Black boy, you move me
With your fear and relentless spirit
You move me
And I see you—
More than love that loves so selfish but
Of your world, you scream to get out of
Eyes are wet as you lay alone
Fearful of the next word you pronounce
What trouble will make you different again
And again
And again
And ag—
No. don’t be afraid to hold me.
You are not property of what was done
Or the freedom you’re struggling to live
Black boy, you move me
With your gentle hands and power
You move me
And when love survives
In wind or to metal bars—I am
Waiting
For you to conquer.
What is your favorite part of the poem? What stood out to you? Leave me a comment below.
