A Phoenix First Must Burn

by Patrice Caldwell

“In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.”

Where is my fantasy, my future? Why don’t Black people exist in speculative worlds?

Black women are phoenixes. We are given lemons and make lemonade.

Because, he said, if they take the time to translate their world into sound and color, that means they know love. That means we have a chance.

on Earth

There’s a reason they use certain words in the military, words like eliminate and target instead of kill and person. It’s so you gain distance. It’s so you don’t waver. It’s so you don’t see your enemy close enough to see yourself.

“No. You can, but hearts are your own to keep. They’re to keep you alive. Give your affection. Give your love. Give your time, but nothing so vital to your own survival. Be careful with giving away parts of yourself before you understand them fully. You’re free of the stars now, so choose wisely in the future. After you know yourself. Love is not supposed to poison your own well.”