Monarch
‘Bout time they tell it;
history’s best kept secret,
gracing
the queen’s cloak,
thick, soft velvet
dancing
on the edge of wildflower petals.
The sun’s face on eclipse nights,
blood and sadness
blended with desire,
I am
the color purple,
long before 1985 screenplays let black girls kiss.
I am fierce,
and set on being seen
‘cause I know how sweet shug is
I know how sweet and juicy closets can be
Cocoons
Where we have always existed,
just been learning our wings
our vivid hues
in a tapestry of DNA
and destiny.
Can’t be
the only curve
in a room of straights.
Can’t be the only colored girl
living an out white life
my voice bending and breaking prisons of “ins”
in and silent
in and lonely
in and the “n” word,
retreating inwards
to rest on my laurels,
to remember the uterus I left empty
and rid myself of the kind of cancer only secrets can create
That’s where I found my blues
blending with my vein liquor,
found my crown,
like butterflies
when I found royalty;
this kind,
of love.
About Phoenix YZ
I was born and raised in Macon, GA
Formally educated at Agnes Scott College, My Momma’s Kitchen, Columbus State University, & The Other Side of the Tracks
The Work (Books, Film, Plays, Performances, etc.) The vibrant Atlanta arts scene inspired Battle to produce two spoken word albums and an alternatively styled book.