Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie

(A Ritual for Black People Who Witnessed the Goings On at the Capitol on January 6, 2021)

Because you know that Black girls asleep 
on their grandmother’s couches
have been shot dead,
stand up.

Put on good walking shoes, go outside

stand for a moment
inhale     
     exhale
           run. Ahmaud Arbery 
will flash in your mind
ball your hands into fists
keep running

see the red, white, blue flag 
on your neighbors’ house
think of the matches by your bóveda
think of the photo of your unsmiling great-grandmother
keep running

until your body 
makes you walk
salt trickles between your shoulders  
& you are desperate to sit
keep walking.

A person with a small child 
will wave at you
wave back

the sun’s lips brush 
your brow, look up
see the yellow sign 
Children
think about children
consider what path 
your walking clears
keep walking.

An elder will wave at you
wave back
think of the burnings his eyes 
have survived, notice

the blue jay flirting
with the naked oak branch,
the mailbox with the faded
welcome painted on its side

sky the exact blue
that manages to pull 
you out of bed on trembling
mornings, look into the face
of that sky and say
I’m tired.

Let salt water fall
(or not) 
but acknowledge
the ancient ocean 
in your eyes.

Gently call pieces 
of yourself, whisper,
open your arms

wait 

you are calling 
pillar  heart   bridge   ache  laugh
language of the sky 
gathering

slowly unshattering,

Ths is how you must
love you. Your light 
Is needed 
for the long
walk home.