American Sonnet

CNN notification: Here’s what Trump’s win means for ________

your body & its orifices
the way you walk home at night
your Black friend & her white partner 
           & their small cat who greets you at the door
the sound of footsteps behind you on a dark street
your trans friends & their pronouns & their love
           & the uncertainty in others’ stares
where you park & when & how & under
           what streetlights
your workout routine & the men’s gazes in the gym
           catching on the space between
           your cropped shirt & leggings
the drag queens who perform downtown
the gay bar where you spend weekendsyour parents & their Christmas without you
whether you feel strong enough to break
           a man’s nose if you have to
           (& you may have to)
your in-laws & their campaigning against
           your body & the choice you already made
           while they tell you we love you, we miss you,
           are you coming home for Thanksgiving
the town & people you call home
your best friend who cried voting for her rights
the bracelet you made for the losing side
           & dumped in the drawer of your desk
           because it hurt to look at the day after
the way you woke up in the middle of the night
           & didn’t move but knew deep down
           no one will save you