For most of my life, I thought all white
people were sharks. I don’t mean cold
blooded or bloodthirsty or sharp-toothed
or strong swimmers. What I mean is simply
resistant to frigid, icy climates. Example:

Mom why do I have to wear a winter coat outside? The sharks are still wearing shorts and flip-flops

or

Look at that group of sharks headed to the club in nothing but crop-tops. How they not even cold?

Imagine a sea of pale, milky thighs
cracking in the boney winds of winter
fissures forming under jean shorts
begging for the soft caress of lotion. Once

a great white shark with waves
of hair tapped my shoulder in line. Would I
be a gentleman and give her
my coat. The audacity of white people
to not wear coats and then freeze. You
out here looking like a snowman’s ghost
tryna see Aaron Carter in concert and still

there’s a whole week dedicated to sharks.
It’s called Shark Week. It’s really just a time
to watch things die in their mouths.

good home training: when it is coldest, I am always sure
to cover my skin, careful to keep my blood from showing.

It’s dangerous and I know better.