Infinite, or “Y’all do not want to meet my alter ego. Trust.”

In solidarity with Black Lives Matter, TNB Poetry has created this space for BIPOC voices to shine. We will be publishing work by Black poets daily.  Black Lives Matter.

for N’Jadaka

Share? Huh.  Naw, son.  Y’all act like

air is some infinite resource. Some body

gon’ need to make a speedy exit off this

here block. Once, before I knew better, I did

like y’all taught me to do in grade school

when I was lost & walked up to the nearest

cop & asked how a boy could get off. & he

drank me in & said

on the tip of my cocked gun, ______.

(I will not rebirth that word here for y’all

to cradle & cuck like y’all love to do.)

& as he spoke he stroked it.  I think he wanted

to shoot it in my mouth.  I think he wanted

to empty his weapon down my throat. Pump me

so full of his rage I couldn’t breathe.  Cut off

my air.  But I’m not going out like a ______.

Hush now. Y’all sucking up all. my. air. Shhh.

Set wide those thirsty maws. Make room

in your belly for my infinite joy.