faith.

i can hear the
moon, star
congregations
clappin
and stompin their feet,
singing
the weight of their tears,
praising
Jah for blessings,
swelling
with the Spirit.

“Amen!”
they are in agreement.
they are aligned.

meanwhile,
i lay in bed
confused.
or insecurely certain.
debating faith
on whether
we are praying
for the same things.

(artwork by ivey hayes)

falling…

fake poses faded
with changes, and old faces
became the real thing.

all in.

slow-burning turned us
into wildfire – we love
uncontrollably.

(artwork by ernest williamson III)

self-defense.

i’ve been praying for
something to believe in
that might grow despite you.

(only because
i am better
with you.)