To X

Yesterday we unpacked the n-word.

Me–an Indian teacher; them–a seventh grade class.

Yesterday we unpacked the n-word: its ability to dehumanize, its reformation and reclamation, its ownership

We barely scratched the Surface.

I ache to do it right: be a steering voice to this class of twelve white kids and one. black. boy.

—but—

They will never be complete—these talks

for they will walk out; he will walk Out

and I cannot protect them. Him. from the deep-set veins of prejudice that flow, drenching every surface that he will step on.

So I look into their eyes. His eyes.

and try

to offer a tiny slice of the opposite each day he enters my room.

and hope it’s enough.