adapted from A $20 Loan, a Facebook Quarrel and a Fatal Stabbing
Kamisha, student of criminal justice,
striving for law school,
cleaning houses and guarding buildings to pay the rent
at Cypress Hill Homes
Gave Kayla $20
for the baby formula locked behind the counter at Walmart
and diapers
Maybe she spent it on Lucky Strikes and cheap wine
or a bright rayon dress that hugged her curves
or a musky perfume to announce her presence
or a gift to keep her man
Clipped words brandished like guns online
Kayla: “the last time u will con me into giving u money.”
Kamisha: “Dnt try to expose me mama”
What strange transubstantiation
Turned formula into blood?
Kamisha: “I hope u have fun entertaining the world. Trust me. Imma have the last laugh”
Kayla: “We’ll see”
Back at Cypress Hill Homes
Her baby abruptly passed from mother to friend
With hands now empty, Kayla brandished the kitchen knife
Who will care for your baby now, Kayla?
Who will buy formula and diapers?
Was the last laugh really yours?
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