Black Man In Paris

One day
I will be a
Black man
in Paris

A male of 
African descent
escaping the 
North American
continent to 
experience a
different way
of being.

My calm, charismatic 
style will fit perfectly
in Paris.

I took French
in college. My
knowledge of
the eclectic city
is increasing as
I participate, pontificate
with kindred poets
and musicians
I am engaging with
at online open mikes
and the like.

I will be a free Black man,
a free Black man like James
Baldwin inside the country of France.
I am an advanced Black man who is
tired of North American hate;
tired of us getting shot down
in the streets; tired of us being
treated like beasts

I will probably find peace
in Paris as a Black man.

I will make friends in Paris.

I will breathe differently in Paris.

I will walk the streets free in Paris.

I will pursue all of its culture, art,
and community when I arrive in
Paris.

I will write back home
To all of the Black men
I know in the United States

and invite them to come to
Paris.

We will drink wine; wave at
strangers; dance in Parisian
night clubs, love all things French
while being Black men in Paris.

Copyright Christopher D. Sims