From the Artist's Sketchbook

Annette M'Baye

Perfectly round.

                      Perfectly black.

No. . . not entirely black.

He has that bluish-white at the edge of his eyes

And his beautiful lips

Open upon a smile of expensive pearls.

*       *       *

Round and dusky-headed,

Round bellied

Black baby, fearlessly

Offer your unpristine hand to the daylight,

Say hello, fearlessly, to your life.