How I Am

Community Voices: Tsehaye Lindsey-Mills

I am scared of the sun because she makes me darker.

I am thankful for sacrifice.

I am scared of my nationality.

I am thankful for time because she is aid.

I am scared of a fender bender because I must call the police.

I am scared of rape because of the discernment process before calling the police.

I am thankful for the Quaker lawyer on speed dial.

I am scared to look in the mirror.

I am thankful for reflection.

I am scared of the white man who loves me.

I am thankful for love because it is strategy.

I am scared of communal privilege.

I am thankful for protection.

I am scared to share myself.

I am thankful for the movement.

I am scared of my therapist because my heart is in pain.

I am thankful for unconditional listening.

I am scared of the dark because it is black.

I am thankful for education.

I am scared to tangle.

I am thankful for illuminated dawn.

I am scared I’m not an activist.

I am thankful for an ally.

When you ask me how I am, this is it.

I am scared for you to hear my answer.

I am thankful you asked.

Tsehaye Lindsey-Mills graduated from CFS in 2018. She lives in Chapel Hill, NC and has been writing poems since the age of nine. The current climate of America sparked her inner light. This poem captures her uncertainty when asked the simple question, “how are you?” As she processes the fear in juxtaposition with the gratitude she feels, Tsehaye shares her poem in hope that it can change a mind.