FIVE POEMS

NIKKI WALLSCHLAEGER

Black Woman on a Plane, 21st Century Minutiae in a bowljerry-rigged handin need of a drink, The flight attendantsaid, “It’s on me,” I must’ve lookedlike I needed one. Such a rough climb,wobbly as the sunduring Leo season come to find outa brand new planeis hot to handle. The first breath:crucial, coughs. My favorite pathof looking winds upwhen I’m in the air, there’s no wayto vacuum seal deathup here I suppose, even though I’ve neverfelt the urge to buya traveling pillow. If something develops,if our machine defects, I’ll ask if I can holdthe hand of the womanwho gave me a drink. Then it’s time to landlike nothing’s happened, the captain standingat the door with his crew. He’s younger than I am,a baby-faced white boy. We don’t know his name,or where he came from. Black Woman in a Wide-Brimmed Hat, 21st Century She wanted folks to call her ma’amMs.…

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The American Poetry Review (Digital) - 1 Issue, September/October 2020

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