sleepscape
i woke up like this
smooth brown skin and
dreadlocs down my back
sweeping the tops of my hips
as i glide
lips plump and fixed
to kiss
the evils of this life good-bye
i woke up like this
full of disquiet and
quietly angry
at the state of the state
in which i reside
roads unkempt
school to prison pipeline
full to the brim and
hatred of me
for what i carry
between my thighs
i go to sleep like this
with prayers unspoken
candles unlit and fighting
my scheduled demise
Sumayyah Talibah © 22 December 2017