Racism’s Hem

by Uva Coles

Some days,

I think it possible–

the tearing away of it

the pulling at its frayed hem

its full

unraveling

the way it could

(eventually)

dismantle

become unspooled

thread

someday.

But

Most days,

I realize the improbability —

the strengthening

of its seam

the inestimable tightening

of its durable cross-stitching

the way it remains

so firmly

in place

over time.

Then,

From time to time

I remember

its ability to

regenerate

reinvent itself

fashion itself anew

give itself new label

alt right strand

tea party twine

proud boys (and girls) cord

readied to weave

reimagined patterns

on

antiquated

confederate cotton…

But

as time tries

to unstitch its

ubiquitous hem

new string

a new needle

more exacting hands

sharper eyes (with a repurposed vision)

an adjusted,

customized pattern

a new design

emerges

each time

more decidedly.

will safeguard

racism’s

reinvention.

Always,

I see

the way it

re-dresses

hems itself back into

place

into eternal

permanence.

Copyright © 2021 by Uva Coles

Uva Coles is a professional keynote speaker, writer, and her work has been featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal and The Inquirer, among other publications. She is also a guest columnist for Al Dia News and a recurring bilingual (Spanish/English) television guest commentator and analyst on inclusive issues for Telemundo, NBC. A native of the Republic of Panama, she is an orgullosa/proud Afro-Latina immigrant who now lives in Delaware with her husband and two sons.