this day demanded a poem
a free poem that dont cost nuthin
and dont owe nobody a damn thing
copy this left i give you the right
this poem dont belong to a collection
it belongs to itself and this day
it goes where it wants
cuz its free in verse & deed
this poem will open locks
cause I told it to
& I can do that
I give it the power
like I give this poem to this day
in kalli where the sun shines
outrageously
on this fine winter day
this poem that neatly defies
attempts to silence me
make me feel small
exploit my vunerablities
try my patience
court my wrath
this poem a brave black bird soaring
above it all
cuz it can be
free by its own decree
unfettered by the noise
eyes open this poem can see
& will say
this poem be
celebrating this day in right mind and strong body
& the art of dreaming while awake
this poem that is sans ports and avec mucho grace
skipping through language
like a six-year-old in a candy shop
unwatched
effortlessly moving through
the place where poems
break the barrier
& float
this poem has the time & can spare it
this poem overstands
the blessing
of attention
it will listen becuz it can
but it dont cotton to bullshit
wont tolerate it
it has something to do on tuesday
it wont make you thinner but you might get happy if you read it
might wanna do sumpthin right just cuz you can
might make you call ya mama
make you hug ya man
read a book to a baby
this poem wants you to mark this day
this poem is filled with pent-up joy
held back by bluz now dismissed
this poem sings this day & it knows your name
and loves the way
you get lifted when you decide to try
this poem be stunting
out loud the way birds of paradise arrogantly look toward the sky
this poem is a clever spell
poems as prayer
this poem belongs to this day
and this day belongs to those who seize it
& shake from it what its got for them
this poem is a clever curse
kiss my gift
hard to tell you how I dig me now
this poem knows
& it digs you for reading it
this poem should be eaten today
Great poem, Ayo. Read it at the Festival. love, m
Yumm – you always astound me!!!
Had to run around the room after that one. LOVED IT! Happy New Year, Sister.
Delicious!