Next time I will remember my name—Beloved

Inhabit my skin without shame

Embody joy

Instead of fear

Next time I will speak when spoken to

And even when not

Raise my 5^th grade hand without hesitation

Tell Miss Hewitt to go to hell

Next time I will sleep outside

Trace stars with sticky fingers

Time travel with Madeleine L’Engle

Quit using Seventeen magazine as my galaxy guide

Next time I will accept the ride to California

In Aunt Margaret’s convertible

Instead of staying home, afraid of missing

orientation at Marshall Junior High

Next time I will remember who I am

Turn my cheek to mother’s slap

Call her Beloved before leaving home

Unencumbered

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