The N-Word
by Sabrina Dawkins
I took that sword you used to defeat me
and I made another hole in my chest.
I didn’t bother to pull it out this time—
I couldn’t anyway
because I lay dying, and with a grin on my face.
I was clever.
I took that word you used to pierce and harm
and I used it on myself.
Very clever.
I changed the game.
Warm blood cushions my back
as I fall asleep
comforted by death’s watery arms.