Inside of Rigidly Cogent Binary Illusions

A reflection on the teachings of Dr. Marquis Bey.

By Erika Ray

Inside of rigidly cogent binary illusions—

the pedagogue’s configuration wages war against gender. . .

Ahhhh what insignificant absorptions we lend to

the power of misgiven labels

that allow color and sex and class to be unchecked fables

With cis-tem failure our beings are again able. . .

to reclaim living with delicate phrases

For you and me

Dear City of Brotherly Love

what a beautiful

rhythmic, boundless treat

bringing us to know ourselves without defeat—

the intersecting immure of preserving

trans and Black gifts

giving voice and beauty

to the deconstruction of myths

that we can only be the

either or

Marquis

I once was and am no more

Black or brown

woman or girl

but all things me

all things

all me

Sincerely.