No Crying Allowed

We live before you
In the wild brush
Beasts in the water’s crush

Beating our chests
To survive
Half alligator
Half catfish

Drinking through the storm
Growing strong and thick
Do not plug us into walls
When we get sick

When I am gone
Show them your guns
Tell them where you’re from

In this bathtub
No crying is allowed
When the waters rise

Drawings by Nicole Legault