Page 52 of The Black Flamingo

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as with a woman; it is an abomination.

(LEVITICUS 18:22)

If a man lies with a male as with a woman,

both of them have committed an abomination;

they shall surely be put to death.

(LEVITICUS 20:13)

I don’t tell Daisy or anyone about them.

I never let my bag out of my sight

and yet the notes keep turning up.

They shout, “Batty bwoy!”

And again, “Batty bwoy!”

I’m on my own street

in Wembley. I’m afraid

but I look toward them

for a second.

Four laughing kids:

two Asian boys,

one black boy,

and one white girl,

around my sister’s age.

I don’t recognize them

but I recognize this patois

so carelessly/violently

flung in my direction.

“Batty bwoy!” Meaning

less-than-man who is

penetrated by or penetrates

another less-than-man.

I realize this phrase is sexual.

This phrase is about sex.

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