—from “Nikes”
Just as the President
who could only say, “If I had a son
he’d look like Trayvon”
instead of, “If I had a son
he’d look just like me.” So often
the body is used
as a way to mediate chaos.
Just like the Statue of Liberty
looked “just like Trayvon”
but America couldn’t not swim
under the body of a black girl
& still feel free. And yes
this is a vulgar elegy. I ask:
What is it in you, that they
don’t want to look like you?
by Shayla Lawson
from I Think I’m Ready To See Frank Ocean
Saturnalia Books