Poetry Contemporary 1 min Harvard Finalist

making

LyLena Estabine

LyLena D. Estabine is a student at Harvard University, originally from Olathe, Kansas, and the author of the novella On the Bridge. More of her poetry, writing, and music can be found at www.lylenaestabine.com. "making" was originally a finalist in Short Édition's Long Story Short Award contest, 2020.

the boy says
"where is
your culture?"

like I have
just
forgotten
to put it
on this
morning

don't you
know?
if I was
the thing
you
want me
to be
I would
likely
not be here
to begin with

I was
taught
a history
removed from
my own
family tree
so that
I would not
grow thorns

before you
step
into the
bubble
they say
they screen you
for sharpness
but don't
mention
what kind

I am still
learning
how to feel
my power
in the
absence of it