Author: Hayden Winston

Hayden Winston (né Hayden Winston Smith Jr.) is a Black, bisexual, novelist, poet, and activist. He holds a BSc in Criminal Justice and a Master of Legal Studies. His works draw on his experiences growing up in Los Angeles as a QPOC and the child of West Indian immigrants. He writes in English, French, and occasionally Kwéyòl. He resides in Northern California with his husband and their two cattle dog mixes.
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Underneath the Wreckage


Subway station, empty/peaceful.
Yet my thoughts, immersed in chaos.

This city sleeps, though I hardly catch a wink.
Fellow men and women dying in the streets.

Can’t dispute we all bleed red,
but the darker your skin the more often bleeding happens.

An elderly woman moves over, to block me from taking a seat.
Not the first time, I’ve felt subtle, hot, contempt.

Can’t mind it, I’ve got calls to answer, files to update, bills to pay.
Just like everyone else.

The city sleeps, but I hardly catch a wink.
Filled with desire for more, for better, and far from at peace.