Illustration by Ayah Andoh.

Illustration by Ayah Andoh.

howwelive

How We Live is a series centering on the lived experience and thought of black teenagers.


black girl magic is

that gap toothed glitter smile
splashed across a canvas
made of ebony skin
those chlorine dried white legs
running through fields

mama said
they are afraid that if you could see
your black veins rooted
deeper than redwood trees
hands that have built an entire nation
that views you as an enemy
then you would understand

that
(that)

the reason you are called black
is not because it is your name
but because you are inescapable light

you are
(you are)

the moon with all of its
creases and edges

everyone who’s everyone knows
that the sun cannot exist
without its partner
the entire world depends on
your orbit

so nappy hair big lipped loud mouthed
baby girl don’t grab glue stick
and plaster pictures from magazines onto
your eyelids

you are
(you are)

a beautiful girl

that
(that)

has veins that
have lasted for ages

—By Zaria Ware