Counting Descent

by Clint Smith

how he’s got capoeira in his hips, how his feet have never learned of fatigue.

But nah, you’re still the big-headed kid who likes Star Wars and French architecture.

Tell me, at what velocity does joy travel?

My jump shot be getting picked last by the other jump shots.

what the cicada said to the black boy

do you know what it means for your existence to be defined by someone else’s intentions?

I still believe we can build this world into something new, some place where I can live past twenty-five & it’s not a cause for celebration

I wish I could give my breath to the boys who had theirs taken, but I’ve stopped counting because it feels like there are too many boys & not enough breath to go around.

What is the general theory of relativity when buoyed by the laughter of twelve seven-year-olds? Let us marvel at the way they turn a body into a satellite to amplify their bliss. Let us praise the bare feet that serve as launchpad to all we have yet to see.

I don’t remember the last time police sirens didn’t feel like gasping for air.

They want people to remember that they once existed beyond this place, that they still do.

we bring a part of where we are from to every place we go.

I have always used words to try and convince the world that I am worth something.

ain’t we all just trying to be some type of sanctuary for someone?