​how to make yourself small or how to be black and survive

​By Porsha Olayiwola

crouch down
low
do not extend your limbs to their full stature

bend your knees
allow your bones to fold or
crack

shrivel

                         let your skin hug to you

                                                               like a casket, keep it close

your tongue is thunderous
to dilute the roar, divert your eyes
observe only the pavement

how it is a       massive                     shadow                 spread                 for us

a grave




see only the ants

melanoid and minuscule

scampering by

                     





                                                                     unscathed