I don’t know much about the Bay Area. I have only lived here for 6 years. Although, the three years of the pandemic don’t really count, since we could not be in the community together or go outside to explore. 

The flowers always bloom brightest in Golden Gate Park. Amidst the carefree chaos of the city, I lay on the damp, dew-graced grass, under the lilac sunset and reach my hand up to the sky's canvas, tracing the daisies and dahlias.

I will never forget where I came from.

Born in Oakland,

Raised in Oakland.

Oakland is my origin 

and my heart stands with my morals.

A modest dream. 

One set in rocky roads and redlining 

Filled with community and love

Held snugly in each of its resident’s hands,

From District 7 with its rich intelligence 

The day had started out bad enough. 

First, Aradan woke up late, dashed his way through the pouring rain, tripped in a puddle, and not to mention, he failed his quiz, too! Now to make matters worse…

“The bus is delayed?” Aradan huffed, watching his breath swirl in a vapor in front of him. 

alone, but growing

alone, yet everlasting

through earthquakes, waves, and interactions

the lone cypress tree shows compassion

as her roots grow deeper

over 4:36 pm stale coffee and orange wedges, my dad reminisces about a childhood song he never learned. he sings half of the song through closed lips. at least you know it now, i say, as if that could heal the staff lines on his back that his father made.

When flowers faded,
I returned home
I wrapped myself
In the bittersweet world

To belong is to be safe
appreciated and welcomed
for just being yourself
and not having to change
for anybody

I’ve seen love. Imagined her,
as the breeze of my own fantasies.
It was more than an emotion.
When I feel the flowers wilt,
I turn to daydreams for water.

I’ve seen grace,
a glimpse of another half
never seen but always heard.

“I ask myself

Does home include grief?

Has grief made a home in me?”

“For us right here, nothing is impossible.

Impossible is nothing.

I close my eyes.

I imagine I was in the middle

Of space with the stars, reading.”

“…and still I cling on to my frayed cross
in hopes of guidance
in hopes that walking amongst
the aftermath of colonization
has a purpose…”

…Space in the room filled with laughter
Stepping into a new chapter
We write our stories
But live our dreams…

As if my whole body is just surface.
As if I could peel away my skin,
as if I could strip away,
as if removing parts would somehow
make me into who I was always meant to be

plane takeoff
11:15 am
washington, dc, dulles airport

5000 feet above the ground
steadily climbing
i think about the idea of flight
how poetic it is to defy gravity

Dear Oakland,
last night I got off a plane
rolled my neck
felt it crack
and said,
Honey,
I’m home

My grandmother

at five feet, skin like the back of a leather belt, heart like infinity

was a church

And by church I mean a holy sanctuary

I mean

Let me tell you about my grandmother

Let’s talk about black girls.

You know those angry girls?

Them loud girls.

Don’t forget they’re ratchet.

And oh my god their hair!