After Chris Abani by Nabila Lovelace Lyrics

I say the wind in Thailand is silent
and mean there is no paranoia.

I say red
and mean damu:

how Africa can swell in a Queens boy’s throat
even if only for set,

or fingers that curl close the “b”
like barbed wire.

What to name the boy
who drops his body

flat like luggage back
at the shooting

of fireworks?
PTSD?
I say summer
and mean baggage claim.

When masses of Black boys and girls die
are mortuaries conveyor belts?

Do you check the tag
to see if it’s yours?