Colorful Canvas

Canvas shows a body of colors. I brush off

excess by dipping into my attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder, my ADHD. Makes

my art more upbeat. Each color is a code

for an emotion. Whatever I feel has thick

layers. Structure from my painting depends

on whether I follow the guidelines given

in my autistic mind. My forever friends

help me create a fun framework. Our

drawings draw people. Authenticity

makes my picture one of a kind.

Blanket Swallows Bruises

aware of where to go to be calm

will not let challenges vandalize me

covers clothe me, my biological clock

safety surrounds a precious presence

a space sprays my spirit sniff its scent

toes spin on the bed beckon my being

lie and land on this wonderful world

lungs freeze freshness sheets are sheep

fur for extra effect grief getaway

isolation is the air on the surface

quilt my entire entity, patch heart holes

mind fingers the folds, a

blanket swallows bruises

my cloak of serenity

is Southeast Park

a setting for rest in

Columbia,

South Carolina

Word Welcomes a Message

My new world feels like Willy Wonka, what my spirit senses

for six months. As a Southern, black American sister from

South Carolina, with Afrocentric hair, I try to settle in this

unfamiliar place. The residential arrangement involves three

Chinese girls in Beijing, China. Mandarin language challenges

my broken English. I hang onto a word as my harness. It helps

change the atmosphere around me. Happy to have one

universal term I can use. It is so spectacular and hard to

explain to those in China that the meaning of this word

stays the same, no matter how someone speaks it. Individual

expressions excite my presence the moment they notice

me. I learn a few phrases to adjust to the Chinese culture.

It gives me more time to focus on English lessons. I teach

kindergarten children. Throughout Beijing, I am initially

seen as an alien from outer space, but with a smile and a

single saying, the stares are startled. Vibrance veils me.

A person known as a lǎoshī - teacher, projects a

professional crown in China. Unites us on a hammock

to rest, relax, to understand. It evens things out for

everyone, a harp to extol our differences. Decency

makes us demonstrate a human heart. A welcoming

message begins by saying hello.