I, My Grandmother
More Stories Nadine Tomlinson More Stories Nadine Tomlinson

I, My Grandmother

My grandmother seasoned Saturday soups with songs,

but never the ones from the land she left behind.

She anointed my scalp with oil,

plaited my hair with prayers,

spooned love with the chocho into my mouth.

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NESTED
More Stories Javanna Cumberbatch More Stories Javanna Cumberbatch

NESTED

My gratitude for your kindness was never expressed

For I was too young to be grateful

Too young to care, understand, or appreciate

You blessed three little girls of color

And valued their mother, a loyal worker for years

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Freedom
More Stories Claudette Thompson More Stories Claudette Thompson

Freedom

Basic freedom was denied

And daily I cried.

Labeled as the “weaker sex”

Taunted mercilessly. My soul grew vex.

Wretched. Worthless

An imbecile. Senseless.

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Open Secrets
Growing up Queer David Simon Growing up Queer David Simon

Open Secrets

Since I last saw you I’ve been thinking. Thinking about you. Thinking about us, about home, about those kids whose journey mirrors yours and mine, A journey walking with fear. 

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Praying for her Nádleehi
Growing up Queer Ade' Arthur Growing up Queer Ade' Arthur

Praying for her Nádleehi

She wanted the baby to be okay. Slowly the vision started and she knew, she knew the way that mothers’ know. She knew that this was her child, even though the person in her vision was not a baby, not even a small child, she knew that this was her baby and yes her child was beautiful.

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