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a space for youth writing on mental health & identity
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a space for youth writing on mental health & identity
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![]() 2020// I (Gen. 1) Sometimes I can’t believe how far I’ve come. You really only have the time to look back over your shoulder at what you left behind when you’re not scared of what’s ahead. I wouldn’t say I’m lucky to not be worried about putting food on my daughter’s plate and instead about what private educational institution I should put my son in so his son will be able to ruminate on how to cultivate his stock portfolio instead of reminiscing about the ones who couldn't keep up. You see, I’m a little different than the boys that I grew up with
I went from a shuddering, stuttering jalopy to a Lexus I believe it's unequivocal proof of my proficiency In the face of natural disadvantages I was forced to face from infancy Little things Like being in the possession of a copious amount of melanin In the same America that demonized the very hands that spun the web of wealth Too many of my neighbors blindly nestle into today But I’m different I lay right next to them And yet when I see the glare of crimson and cobalt bearing down upon me I must admit I'm straining, stressing Praying to not end up as the next Keith Lamont The next Eric Logan The next George Floyd. No, officer, I didn't have narcotics, I didn't consent to the exploration, investigation, examination of my vehicle so you could scrounge around for a light in a room With no switch. So when it illuminated I knew something was wrong I reached for my pocket to record Because I was nervous and in my mind I was hoping for something to reassure me I wouldn't become just another name on the list. As I lay on the calloused concrete I can make out a blanket of red roses being drawn up to cover me. I always wanted an open casket funeral. But instead of my son my daughter or my love latching onto the last mortal piece of me, it is the icy blue eyes of a stranger That let me go. 2320// We (Gen.8) I love the curving roads of the superway. every second I’m looking over the horizon something new is revealed, like little actors sliding into the spotlight with a cheeky grin As if to say “Hey! Look at me man, ain’t I something?” only for their boys to jump onstage, one after another, a never ending encore. I’m getting tired of the pavement shaking the stage So I switch up And lift off Towards the warm, white ember glow of the moon I’m shrouded in darkness, but I don’t need the light no more. My janky 2308 Hovermaxx model doesn't get around like a newer car, as its radio warbles out its muffled words just loud enough for me and all my friends to shout along as my ride glides taking me through the air in one clean, crisp, cut. I can’t help but smile into the biting air of twilight I'm too fast for my problems to keep up. So when I'm pulled over by an officer for going about 100 miles over the speed limit my ancestors can smile knowing I just now thought about the fact that We actually had to worry about this type of thing. Comments are closed.
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May 2023
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