I couldn't remember

Akiel Denkins

name today. It was buried beneath

too many other names

and black bodies

beautiful, proud, magic soft souled with time hardened hearts

not impenetrable but resilient.

Not invincible,

softer than the earth blanket tucking them in.

Not made in God's image enough

to be saved from the whip

or the noose

or the hose

or the lead

or whatever oppressant is handpicked next.