Two Poems
Lit
We say,”I will light a candle,”
as if the light will dissipate
the virus. We wear masks
to hike by
our beloved river.
My mother’s remedy
a chopped onion and garlic
and lots of ginger.
We are submerged.
Head rises then sunk in again.
In deep dream,
many candles are lit.
One candle lights another
then we move six feet closer.
Many Shades
His presence is many shades
almond, maple, brown eggshell, cacao
If only we could name
all of his colors from head to toe.
Charcoal hair, nutmeg forehead
bridge of nose like stem
of Shitake mushroom
palms in prayer, fingers gather
like octopus closing tentacles.
He can't rest in woods
must keep moving.
Sulphur brown ankles
on silver rocks, now in river water.
Chased by dogs, tracking nigger scent.
Great-Great-Great-grandfather escaped.
I tell my brother If you’re stopped by the police
press record then
keep your hands on the wheel.
If they give you conflicting orders.
Pray to god.
