Polo and Silk,

    dark-skinned and coffee-colored eyes,

    Terell Kenneth Lewis

    Levels the tux

    Upon his chest.

    Momma, openly nostalgic

    of the times of living on her own

    where the elders are like forks in the road

    cloaked in setbacks and hardships

    College, in a new perspective

    Terell Kenneth Lewis,

    Unfolds as a young black man,

    Reiterates to his mom he’s going to become a biologist

    The internships and college acceptance letters

    Carve out a new future

    In the lab of a fine young, prospering gentleman.

    Away from the alternative route,

    Death, and negative vibes alongside people

    Momma cries out, I wish the Lord can be good to me!

    Until it happens

    I’ll stick with what i’ve got and be grateful.

    College, seven months away, feeling an eternity

    Vanishes!

    Momma says, Thank you Lord!

    For helping me raise a man!

    Momma says

    Thank you Jesus!

    Then, exhausted over the years, she mourns