The nature of human psyche is such that we desperately want to derive our desired meaning from arbitrary things like zodiac signs and horoscopes. Now, if I were at all superstitious, today’s horoscope could embolden me to do foolish things. Luckily, I know better:

You are ready to risk it all and ask for what you want, even if your request is a bit weird. It’s best to think twice before speaking, although you will probably go ahead with your initial plan anyway. Bold behavior will clearly make your statement, so be sure you are willing to deal with the consequences of your actions.

1. I fear becoming obsolete.
2. I am worthy of the truth.
3. I become a radically improved person at least every six months. It’s dope.
4. I just had (or am having) a sneezing attack.
5. I am frustrated with dichotomies. One man’s patriot is another man’s terrorist. I am either divinely courageous or naive and stupid.
6. I am a product-oriented woman attempting to appreciate the beauties of process.
7. I read my horoscope everyday. Sometimes I read Cancer, Virgo, Aquarius too.
Today my horoscope says: Your world is filled with non-stop action, yet much of it takes place on the inner planes. You may not want to rest, yet the idea of withdrawing from your commitments still seems attractive. Remember, what happens in your mind is yours alone. You are free to go anywhere you possibly choose, so use your fantasies to explore the days ahead before they happen.
8. My parents were sure that I was going to be a boy. They painted my room blue. It has taken me nearly twenty-two years to understand the burden of bringing a girlchild into the world.
ergo,
9a. The “choice” is never really a choice at all, when encumbered with judgment.
9b. I wonder about the world today’s men are creating for their daughters, for their sisters. I wonder if my daughter’s father will be okay with her being number four on a rotation of six. I wonder if I can exemplify the kind of Black woman I want my sons to marry.

Everything is urgent.

[this is not a poem
sometimes we splay
but like deja said
splay with caution]

I kept the sunset to myself today
the coral coronets frozen
on a purpling horizon
the holiest strokes of genesis
and felt your hand
arched over mine on the brush
wanted to skate my breathless promise
of sunset over the glowing brick rooftops
of chicago, embers failing

in the fainting light
but would rather let you chill today
let whatever sickles i may have softened
with the fierceness of my light
mold themselves back into stone

i will let you turn in search of brighter suns
the cadences of more cherry laughs
a more potent spell than
my lips will ever conjure
my ribs have been too pliant

superlatives balm
on faithful cicatrices
and i languid trace
the veins of glass
spidering across
the smoky dome
of sky bleeding
the color of wrists
gold etchings mist
into nothing

and maybe this time
i will have the courage
to hurt

Even my selflessness can be selfish.