Mr. Africa Poetry Lounge!

Telling Truths

it's hard being a survivor
when the script isn't written
in your favor,
but it's alright,
because i still can see,

see beyond the hardness that's
mounted your heart,
causing this condition better known as
the angry black man syndrome,
but it's alright,

cause i see through you,
see the callouses in your hands
from standing in the arms of labor,
earning the keep you share with me,
and it's alright,

because i can feel you,
in the midnight hour,
when shadows play concerts with your
eyes, smile and the strong way you love,
and it's alright,

because i am a woman,
your woman,
and i know where to put
all the ohhs and ahhs,
and i know the every part of you touches

me and our crowded souls,
and it's alright my brother,
because i know it's hard on you,
for you to do what you want,
when the world is trying to kill you

in some nonchalant, blatant, overdosed ways,
but it's alright my brother,
because i adore you,
believe in you,
need in you all that you need in me,

and it is hard,
being a man,
being a son,
being a black man's son,
but it's even harder
without yor woman.

Written by Janelle Watts