American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin

by Terrance Hayes

He meant I am blind without you. She thought he meant I never want to see you again. It is possible he meant that, too.

Maxine Waters, being of fire, being of sword Shaped like a silver tongue. Cauldron, siren, Black as tarnation, black as the consciousness Of a black president’s wife, black as his black tie Tuxedo beside his black wife in room after room Of whiteness. My grandmother’s name had water In it too, Water maker. I have wept listening To Aretha Franklin sing Precious Lord. I have placed My thumb on the tongue of a black woman With an unbreakable voice. I love your mouth, Flood gate, storm door, you are black as the gap In Baldwin’s teeth, you are black as a Baldwin speech. I love how your blackness leaves them in the dark. I love how even your sound-bite leaves a mark.