The veneer of human evolution

Citizens, unite, the culture war
Is an Oscar.
Boycott this struggle,
for what can be
less consequential?

Conversations with mother:
Viagra for women.
The political divide
crossed within the family;
she was my first mentor.

The ink-stained wretches of Wall Street,
unseen by the media.
The watchdog
did not bark:
Crash! Advocacy gone bad.

Twelve years a slave,
mining the experience of life.
What is its legacy,
unflinching and brutal?
A glimpse into the black.

Soul food’s contested history,
the recipe of rhythm redrawn.
The culinary temple of all things soul,
hot sauce and a suspicion of spice:
concoctions of original thought