By Dante Micheaux

Not only out of love for you, but with sweetness
they fashion a noble puppet—cut with sweetness.

Heads of state come bearing gifts and fear for lives
hanging in your judgment. Not with sweetness

do they show your face, make you villain in all the world,
some beast woman, automaton wrought with sweetness.

The oligarchs are counting in the counting house
and hoarding all the oil bought with sweetness.

A fancy dress and maids that primp and prop your hair,
Black jewel, you shine for all the guests rapt with sweetness.

History is the only thing you have to fear unless it marks you:
ambitious scapegoat taut with sweetness.

The village awaits your return. An ancient consensus wills
you grace, a home, new start, a plot with sweetness.