On Joy

Joy means the sunset in the middle of my street.

Joy means snowballs at Pandora’s.

Joy means staring into the eyes of another black woman.

Joy means kissing dawn in her arms.

Joy means the sweetness of her sweat.

Joy means the smile of my daughter.

Joy means her giggle unabashed in the August sun.

Joy means waking up in the morning when dawn comes calling.

Joy means the sound of my own Ashe.

Joy means the quiet at the end of the day.

Joy means loving you, me, Amanda Emily fully, completely, sweetly.

Joy means looking into the mirror and seeing the girl I was is still me.

Joy means reclaiming innocence.

Joy means saying Bliss is mine to keep.

Joy means releasing poisons that ain’t mine either.

Joy means walking into my Bliss with both arms wide open and ready to love

Love myself, love others that want to be loved and love myself back.

Joy means the air I breathe.

Joy means each molecule of my being just being free.