A Poem About My Rights

Ain’t nothing that I’m gonna do
And you can’t ever make me
Blackmail, email,
I ain’t never talkin’ to thee

Why you gotta add this pressure
To an already heavy heart?
Stop it please; I’ve had enough
I’m gonna fall apart!

Ain’t as easy as Sunday mornin’
Not peaceful as the night
Don’t worry—get off your high horse
So?—The bruise is from a fight

Why you cryin’ huge-ass tears
All fallin’ off your face?
You don’t know the half of it
So let me find my pace!

Ain’t ready to cross the finish line
How dare you push me through?
No trophy won, no medal gained
I ain’t doin’ this for you!

Why I wanna keep inside?
Some things are just for here.
Go away; leave me alone
Don’t focus on my fear.

Ain’t you getting’ off my back?
Forget you ever seen this.
Cut my strings off of your heart
For me don’t give a piss!

Why you even bother
Makin’ me part of your life?
Leave it be; and please fuck off
You got your own damn strife!

Ain’t I gonna do somethin’?
And you can’t ever know
Witnessing—you call tonight
To me—another blow.

1-15-08

(Lately inspired by June Jordan’s 1989 poem, “Poem About my Rights")