I NO LONGER BELIEVE

May 17

Written By Jamal Hodge

I no longer believe the dream.

Hope so heavy,

it buries itself, a horror,

deep as generational wounds.

Veiled barbarism

Into the dream a King once had,

none would trade places if I asked.

Our systemic religion, a thorny kiss,

insistent trumpeting for change,

a lighthouse, for fools.

I no longer believe the promise,

no longer see my reflection

in the milk of their faces.

We are not the same.

HUNGRY

EASTER PRAYERS