Teaching is the New Black
Summer 2017
By Reza Rites
It’s hard to show gratitude
When the thanks
Are built on a mountain so high
Made of ascending sediments
Of Distrust
Disdain
And disrespect
Wounds that not only build
Natural monuments
But that harden and mutate
Inside
Like kidney stones
And cancer
But I can because you cared
For me
And massaged my heart
Twin from another
Mother
Sister sent from the same
Universe
Doppelgänger and curl-slayer
Thank you
It’s hard to show gratitude
When the thanks
Are built on a mountain so high
Made of ascending sediments
Of Distrust
Disdain
And disrespect
To offer thanks
Could also break
The postule of grief
Puss gushing with moments
And memories
Of hostility and disregard
Stark contrasts to
The care and open arms
Of a child who interrupted
Cycles of sadness
Yes
I do want to see
How you become one of
The tree people
Yes
I do want to become one
Too
Thank you
It’s hard to show gratitude
When the thanks
Are built on a mountain so high
Made of ascending sediments
Of Distrust
Disdain
And disrespect
You knew me before
This scene
And you still embraced
Me
And that me
And her too
Laughter as welcomed
As despair
As welcomed
As love
A mirror framed by
My past, present
And future
And by the dreams
You invite me to
Swim in with you
Thank you
It’s hard to show gratitude
When the thanks
Are built on a mountain so high
Made of ascending sediments
Of Distrust
Disdain
And disrespect
Yes
But I am lucky
For
I met many mountain climbers
This summer
Who partied at the peak
Of my truth
Stayed when the sun tumbled
Behind the hills
And danced when she
Returned
To her apex
Thank you
Venus Sings by Reza Rites 