Dear Malcolm,

I want a Nat Turner–most days.

A man willing to die

for the causes,

someone who wrestles

with the flaws of justice.

I know that God wants

a shield for all of us.

But you, will always

be safe with me

until your insecurities

find obscurity.

And when that fire

is subdued, use me.

Let me rub your

temples ’til you feel

a tremor in your heart;

soak your needs in my wants,

read the Gospel or Qur’an,

and heed the hieroglyphs

until the Nubian Dynasty

is reborn here in The New World

or at least until the next

Chicago renaissance.

You are safe in my love.

If only you cover me;

I will cover us.

—Betty

(October 3, 2018)