A Black off-duty policeman told me,
“We christened our children White
Names so they’ll have equal chance.”
I wanted to ask him, But what happens
After the big reveal? I wanted to tell him,
But sir, the fickle gods will not save them.
Wanted to tell him, Word up, officer, that’s
Foolproof strategy. Me, I nodded and
Smiled. If you grew up fond of your
Name, perhaps this poem isn’t for you.
Perhaps on scientific levels everything’s
Connected and yet a most utopian
Expression is all-inclusive. As in:
If we each die alone, loneliness is all-inclusive.
Which it is. It is. And so slow dancing remains a dream.