Two Poems by Mickey Black

Mickey Black

Mickey Black is a writer and poet from Richmond, Virginia. She began her writing journey in middle school, when she’d compose short stories and songs as a hobby. Most notably, she published a collection of poetry in 2019, entitled, The Year I Lost and Found Myself. Be on the lookout for her debut novel, When Mountains Crumble, releasing in October, 2026.

Emancipated

You grabbed me by the spine,

Parading me around

Like a marionette.

I, your obedient little girl.

You, a mad puppeteer.

I ripped your tentacles

from my limbs,

No longer under your thumb.

I’m free to live my truth,

I’ll dance for you no more.

Guarded Youth

“You need to guard yourself.”

You told me as a child.

“From what?” I ask.

“From the wolves that prowl,

Waiting to feast upon your innocence.”

My milk and cookie smile turned upside down.

Didn’t you know my innocence was stolen,

Long before?