Wearing All Black

my mother
hates
when
i wear
all black

it should be reserved for those who mourn, she says

i fell
in love
with
black clothing
on the east coast

New York City

subway passengers
semi-patiently
waiting for trains
clothed in all black
exuding
quiet
unbothered
laser-sharp focus

Confidence

an aura
i’ve
always admired
but never knew
how to acquire

not until recently
so i’ve been wearing all black

last week
my mother jokingly asked,
Lakeya, are you mourning?

a response
came from my depths,
Yes, mommy. I am.