For years, I kept my eyes on the road,

always on the lookout, waiting, hoping,

ready to hear the words “you!”

Not just me, my sister, her friends, their friends…

little feet, dark afro hair, big dreams, little feet, big eyes

Waiting to be told that “we are worthy, and we matter.”

So, like a bus that never arrives, I stood up,

I placed one foot before the other,

walked until the sole of my feet bled.

I chose me, I smiled with me, I loved me

I loved her so much the years breezed past.

And when a still small voice tries to tell me otherwise,

I glitter.