Two Poems by Whitney Ampadu

Photo Credit: Wellington Sanipe

Just Cry

It’s a careful mix

of rage and sadness

I hold under my tongue

Trying not to add to the frustration

At the pit of my stomach

from being

so tired

so alone

so woman

so black

sometimes

I can’t hold it all

It’s bitter

But spitting it all up would make a mess

That I’d

have to clean

And I really don’t want to

Not in front of everyone

- just cry

To The Black Men, Whom I Love

I’ll cry for you

so you don’t have to cry yourself

I’ll feel for you

since you ignore your feelings

I’ll take care of you

because you’re too distracted

from being gutted

by pride

and masculinity

you don’t even realize

you are not whole

it’s okay

I’ll fill you with love

Accept it

and use it

But don’t you dare take it for granted

I suffer the same as you

If not worse

I’m not afraid of my emotions

I’ve seen scarier things

And you will too

If you try me

- To the black men, whom I love

Whitney Ampadu

Whitney. K Ampadu is an emerging actor, writer, and creator based in Toronto. She is a graduate of the Humber College Theatre Performance Program where she specialized in Physical and Devised Theatre. As a Black female artist, she prioritizes unearthing her voice and experiences through the work she does. She looks to put forth honest and moving work and is currently working on some poetry and a few plays.

Instagram: @whxtney.k