like not deferring sidewalks to White folks,
coming face-to-face, stopped, on empty streets.
Stooping to clean a toilet ain't so bad
when your child's schoolin's involved. Prospects
that your babies can choose not to do such tasks
stiffens weak resolve. Tears slow up beatings
from a drunk husband, but a well-worn axe
handle in staid palms proves a better plan.
Grand showed me lessons college books don't teach
-that being a Black woman's a lovely
life when one's dignity has not been breached.
