Our poem of the week comes from our Summer 2026 Special Commendation, The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems by Patricia Smith (Bloodaxe). 'What It's Like to Be a Black Girl (For Those of You Who Aren't)' first appeared in her 1991 collection, Life According to Motown.
Order The Intentions of Thunder here, and get 25% off using your PBS membership discount code.