by MAYA WILLIAMS
It is more intentional than any “How are you doing?” that I’ll be asked in my lifetime.
How you livin’? “Just tryin’ to be more like you.”
It is the warmest hug from my friends and favorite cousins that I desire after not seeing them for so long.
How you livin’? “Ah, you know how it is.”
It is the in-house check in I can trust.
How you livin’? “Just hangin’.”
It is the middle finger to suicide affecting our communities and the slap in white supremacy’s face for wanting us dead.
How you livin’? “You know you my homie, right?”
It’s the angel on my shoulder pushing me to be more open about my curses in order to obtain more blessings.
How you livin’? “You know I love you, right?”
It’s the permission we call a prayer to live at all… and not just do.