(i dont know why the freakin formatting on this isnt working!!)
proof of my christianity
comes snapped in two weathered polaroids
draped in my new crisp robe
waist immersed in lake water waves
a black as sin before shot a washed as white as snow
after shock
==
a gold stamped certificate of baptism
calligraphy signed by the pastor
etched with Christ’s outstretched arms
calling “come unto me”
to all the little children of the world
red and yellow black and white
they are precious in his sight
and as long as I memorize my bible verses
recite on Sunday after services
I can claim both for my pass at the holy gates
==
shamefaced at my rushed memorization
a virgin mary with hot cheeks
and furious forehead wrinkles
I stare past the teachers sanctified grimace
beg god to let me remember so my squirming will stop
and simultaneously curse him
for having 2nd John write so many words down
==
I will never make it past the pearly door
unless I have my papers cause
hidden in the folds of my black girl memory
are consecrated christian children who refuse
to touch me during playtime devout in their service of god
they rebuke satan’s hold over my black skin
converge on me with whiteness, with righteous love
====
so St Peter at the entry to heaven
might catch fire burning out my eyes
may hear whispers of celestial vengeance unspoken
might note forgiveness nowhere in my heart
====
but I got proof
I got papers
and we all know the documentation counts
and the spook at the door*
just needs an in
to start wreckin shop.
====
* ”The Spook That Sat by the Door” is a 1973 film based on the book by Sam Greenlee about a Black CIA agent named Dan Freeman who after training in guerrilla warfare, clandestine operations and unarmed combat, uses what the CIA has taught him to train a street gang to utilize the tactics in an upcoming fictitious race war.
A Birth Project 