we elegant dance, we elegant speak, we elegant
wear pearls, we elegant leap. four self-portraits
of confidence surround a study of equal worth.
younger self—black silhouette, whose dance
echos seven times, looks up to stern older self,
says, don’t forget to feel joy. far left, an ageless self
faces away—red ball gown draped off-shoulder,
says, wear pearls, diamonds every day. real,
not real–  just make sure they glow, you glow.
multi-media self, above center, in pressed white
paper wings, billowy pants and blouse of reds,
pinks says, leap high, fly, freedom-sing. freedom took
a long time coming, still does. white privilege can
say it understands, but never can know. i sink
in chair, listening in, nod—wordless. now
middle watercolor study—torn scrap of three
paint brushes, speaks loudest—we work
for a living–dip in-and-out of vivid colors—
flow life, remembrances across each sheet—
celebrate dreams, remember.               art works
elegant-signed. treasured for their creator. treasured
for moments they impart elegant words to me.
when i sit still enough to listen in.