Two Poems by Evany Martinez

Black Woman 

How do you tell her she's too loud when you've silenced her for Centuries?Too strong, when she has to work light years ahead of you just to catch up?Too violent, with your scars etched Into her back?Too dark, when your spirit is composed of ashes from her ancestors?Too wild. Too real. Too raw.That must be why you can only rise if she falls.

Women who chase fire 

She drenched herself in gasoline and lit herself on fire. Then after burning to ashes complained about the scorching. Smoke danced in the clouds until they were one and the flames Beamed as bright as her love.She risked it all to feel that warmth,if only for a second. This is how much she loved him.