The Uncreation Story of a Black Man

Listen to Roya Marsh read this poem.

i must tell you

Freddie Gray and i
share the same birthday

i must tell you
this is not the first time
a black man dies
after locking eyes

i must tell you
how blessed we are
to be hashtagged
while breathing

i must tell you
a murderer’s breath is
the homicide note
no one ever writes

i must tell you
this is the uncreation story
of a black man
in a Christ-stained body

i must tell you
Freddie was genesis
& on the 7th day he rested

i must tell you
when the city is on fire
the summer comes early

i must tell you
i smile
in amazement
at fury-lit streets

i must tell you
this poem
is a famished reflection

i must tell you
this poem
has a bellyful
of Black flesh
and bone

i must tell you
this poem
will eat YOU alive

i must tell you
this poem
licks the plate
when it’s done

i must tell you
this poem
is never done

i must tell you
i pray
for the day it will end

i must tell you
when i pray
i keep one eye cracked
&
just a bit of space between my palms
hoping
a bit of God will seep through.

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