Poem

We are all imprisoned
In the castle of our skins
And some of us have said
So be it. If I am in jail
My castle shall become my rendezvous.
My courtyard will bloom with hyacinths
and jack-in-the-pulpits.
My moat will not restrict me but will be filled
With dolphins sitting on lily pads
And sea horses ridden by starfish.
Goldfish will make love to Black Mollies
And color my world Black Gold.
The vines entwining my windows will grow butterflies
And yellow jackets will buzz me to sleep.

NIKKI GIOVANNI