Are you telling on yourself?
Outside sneaking,
graffiti writing,
cig smoking,
candy buying,
but you’re alright with me
’cause when I heard
you and horns testify…

I was hopscotching and double dutching
In playgrounds swinging, full voice singing:

“Skippieees,
they cost a dollar ninety-nine.
Skippieees,
they make your feet feel fine”

Miss Mary Macking with hands clapping
Hide-and-seeking, relay racing,
Giggling and twirling and chasing…

Chasing your melodies and
dizzy with black girl joy.

© Sharon Fleshman

Your Call: What memories or moments help you recover your joy?