On this day in Black history
I put my armor on
Wondering how fast I’ll need to run
How will I be considered if
I wear anything but a suit?
A clergy collar?
A tie.
How will I look?
The camera catching me
Running toward Breonna Taylor Way
Catching flames
Or running north on Division Ave.
Catching the rapid bus home.
This is the city of Grand Rapids,
Where only the river runs undisturbed
After it’s been stripped of its natural flow
I suppose it doesn’t matter what I wear
In a city where this Afro-Latino will never be taken seriously
Running to catch the urban myth of safety
In compliance I wear
A black t-shirt. Gray pants.
Say what you want. I wear my running shoes.
- R.R. Tavárez
