Oftentimes, I feel I am
living my life
in 3rd person.
I float above myself,
watching how I interact,
gauging how I am perceived, adapting
imperceptibly.
But there are moments
that belong
just to me—my eyes closed
on a dance floor,
surrounded by bodies,
my partner’s warm
lips on my cheek,
once,
twice,
three times in succession.
I close my eyes and smile
every time.
I hope I always do.
one black experience 