War by Allyson Smith

there has always been a battle

one in which the heavens will bring golden chariots

one in which my spirit will be one with holy land

one in which my mother will have enough to pay the bills

how gold will drip from her fingertips as she reaches into her purse

one in which my father will know the birthdays of his children

can see angels instead of debt

and one in which i can see forgiveness in their actions

make sense on childlike mindset

and know that they tried

Allyson Smith (She/ Her/ Hers) is a youth activist, poet, and all-around creative from Memphis, TN. She is heavily involved with politics, with a strong emphasis on acknowledging Southern Black Women in the artistic and political sphere. She says no to the status quo and is using her voice as a stepping stone to an equal society. Through her work, which has been featured in Buzzfeed News, The Commercial Appeal, and The Guardian, she is authentically herself and does not shy away from topics that spark hard conversations. Allyson believes that her future is one that is free of limitations and societal normalities, and she will do everything in her power to make it so.