“Yellow Light” by Mila Cuda and Cleo Bove

The other day, my friend sent me a TikTok by @getlitpoet that I couldn’t get out of my head. The video captures Mila Cuda and Cleo Bove performing “Yellow Light,” their original response poem. I’m not a huge slam poetry gal, but Cuda and Bove stopped me in my tracks with their powerful words and strong voices. They first present the realities of driving in California, where the rules of the road get taken as mere suggestions. For example, Californians are notorious for rolling through stop signs and speeding through yellow lights. I finally realized what this poem was about once Cuda and Bove presented the likeness of how yellow lights and women are treated. It’s truly something spectacular. I highly recommend watching this performance for yourself in the link provided.