do it afraid

Momma we smile the same and I know you always ask to see my eyes when I’m beaming into a camera

But my delight is almost always too big for seeing.

Too big for pictures that aren’t the prologue to more pictures, for more laugh lines and early crows feet.

And-

He first spoke to the Black folk in the room, read us a poem of power, and Momma we smile the same.

He stood with a suit and a Ph. D balanced behind his ear,

The most jovially brilliant man I’ve ever gotten to see up close.

When I am someone who reads poems to those who have asked,

When people will pay for my presence, momma, and I wonder what for

I’ll remember what he said about fear. What you said

Do it with fear and trembling.

Do it afraid.

Knees don't need to be brave for walking,

they just need to move.

"Knees don't need to be brave for walking,"

(Written October 12, 2019)