To the young, Black women vibrantly

laughing your way onto the train:

in your Black attire, hot pink accessories,

yoga mats in tow; four matching from head to toe,

I wonder if you are members of a dance company or simply exercise sisters or perhaps practicing to one day train with the WNBA. Whatever it is causing your joy this dreary morning, hold on to it unashamedly. They are stifling our emotions-every one but sorrow.

We are not sorry.

Apologetic perhaps as we tour

this land that we built yet continues to welcome our falling, dead bodies unto it.

Happiness is yours.

But, pride, you deserve too.

–Sincerely, Tyra