doors. a poem for Baltimore and everywhere els

they say

we brought you here to work!

This place is not yours

all fancy free

busy shutting doors

so I knock and I wait

patiently and kindly while

you have your debate

“should we?”

some say

“nay”

say others

meanwhile, we are hungry

myself, my sisters and brothers

so I knock again

this time, a little more strength

the man answered the door

looking quite tense

“Um, please go stand over there and mind that fence”

“I guess you’ve been here for a while with me...how about twopence?”

I wait and I watch

but the door remains closed

Now the windows are shut.

I go back and I pound

The door opens a crack and out come the hounds

They tear at me

I run and then I attack

I’ve had enough of knocking politely on closed doors.

I’ve had enough of this wait to get what is mine.

I’m not tricked your sweet talks, the bribes, the lines.

I’ve put away distractions, the weed, the women, the sweet sweet wine.

Why do you treat me this way?

I know it’s because I am Black.

#NaPoWriMo goons

goons

goon ass niggas

turn up

but is still just mostly scared little brown boys

grown muscles

learned how to knuckle up early

and scare square dudes

know where to stick that burner

in just the right places

some learn how to tuck packs of rocks

under nut sacks

clinch bags in crack of ass

these niggas used to be my youngbloods

young fireflies

my Young Lions

Shiny

Now they

young arsonists burning

Hunters, preying on daughters and sisters

who miss and wish for Daddy

but he ain’t coming

#NaPoWriMo Prayers for gold and other treasures kept sacred

prayers for gold and other treasures kept sacred

Lord,

I pray that these little bits of gold, these slivers and chips of jewels I share with these babies are kept and stored somewhere safe.

Babies, store and hoard what I give you

so that

One Day

When

Their Enemies/Family/Friends

try to trick and trade them

for Wine/Weed/Likker/Powder and Pills

my babies can Resist.

I pray
Dear Sweet Lord the Holy Blood of Jesus the Christ

That you array all your Mighty Angels around them

so they can say something like

"nah bruh. See I got treasure stored up inside me, my dude."

"That weak game you got aint nothing but sweet lies, poison and bullshit"

"Miss me with that"

Amen