because the truth hurts
 even in dandelions
 invading our space
 

picture perfect day:
 a family, a fish, a lake.
 tell me what’s missing.
 

no matter how bright
 this was bought on backs of slaved
 and so it’s tainted
 

i just want these blooms
 to carry me through summer
 and buy me a chance
 

the youngest, oldest:
 waiting for summer-lit time
 to save this moment
 

just knowing the truth:
 Coates says I’m a white dreamer
 destroying black lives
 
 so i can have views
 that they wouldn’t be allowed
 breaks my heart tonight
 

i am a cynic
 who can still find the beauty
 in this blue-tinged earth
 

fear lies in each word
 and that’s why you haven’t heard
 how we all are hurt
 

her birthday today
 she would be eighty-eight now
 lives in this girl’s grin
 

my family fishing
 in the evening’s early light
 with hopes for dinner