These corridors, these formerly teeming arteries
sparkle,
gleaming like teeth that were mortally whitened
we, the brave or enslaved, roll, stride, marvel at this
sparkle,
never having seen this floor before,
aware of the privilege
we are witnessing.
Gleaming like teeth that were mortally whitened,
some of us understand the perils:
a skid, a glissade on this smooth stage
will end our newborn right to rule.
We, the brave or enslaved, roll, stride, marvel at this
set on which we’re allowed to perform
today.
It’s temporary. Which only makes us beam brighter.
Thank you April, for your story! “Inside Our Time” digital series:
