Hood Soiree

Poetry by Kenyatta Muzzanni dedicated to the 1990s with references to the Fugees and The Matrix.

Written by Kenyatta Muzzanni
Artwork by Ashley LaRue

Gold teeth and brown skin,
beat against the pavement.
Nike swoosh, playground hoops,
home to the streets we played in.

Handball in the park, next to
jungle gyms and rims.
The whole block is out, fresh— a hood soiree,
celebrating being alive
for just another day.

The night stretches on carrying
stars we can’t see (but feel).
Our North Star out of reach,
guiding us to places where
our dreams are real.

Morning comes back again,
warm hues flooding the city.
Garbage truck, B14 bus.
A new day, a new beginning.

Feeling sublime,
in the right place with the right vibes.
A rush takes over— euphoria like never before,
While the boombox blares,
“It’s time I settle The Score!”

Everything has a beginning.
Everything has an end.
The 90’s will live in us,
until spacetime curves and it all
begins again.

This piece contains a line from the “The Score,” written by the Fugees and Diamond D.

Kenyatta Muzzanni is a writer, organizer, and multidimensional being. To read more of her poetry, articles, commentary on culture, and more, visit Muzzanni.substack.com.

Ashley LaRue is a New Haven native, creative & self-taught multidisciplinary artist. Ashley also operates Qommunity, and you can find more of her work on Instagram @ashyrue_.