Page 91 of The Black Flamingo

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but a successful black man

is a threat. Pulling me over

for driving a nice car.

This isn’t what I wanted

for your moving day

but this is what it’s like

to be black in this country

or anywhere in the world.

They interrupt our joy.

Our history. Our progress.

They know they can’t

stop us unless they kill us

but they can’t kill us all,

so you’re living your life

and suddenly interrupted

by white fear or suspicion.

They fear sharing anything.

Our success is a threat.”

I’ve never heard my uncle

speak in these terms, of them

andus. I’ve never thought

in these terms. Until today.

Everything is here on campus,

everything I could need,

all of my lessons, the library,

shops, cafés, four bars,

and my room, which isn’t cheap:

I chose a room with an en-suite bathroom

in the newest accommodation.

I figure if I’m taking out a loan

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