Who mo free—you, me?
Both plantation tied, we
real cuffed, we sho nuff,
whether weez write, or
run from writing, riding,
stories bout massa, that
fat bastud rides on us—
White Supremaholiness,
his high-nass, the long
saddled lie. You choose:
say everything, bout
urrything, bout all thangs,
except yo privileged
whips—yo franchise,
swinging dis infranchise
mint what I said, said
what I meant. That candy
ain’t candy. Señor Chain
Daddy has not left booth—
left three-fifths broadcast
of me. That story, no story.
My story, just a story, not
good enuf to suit the
spear-chality of yo Can.
None but the Father got
the right to name yo lines
liberated (synonym:
emancipated, unshackled),
butt preach me and minez,
all licks of confines, if we
tell you shit hurts, when it
do. Got no reason not to,
call and response this
bluesody. Both of us cages,
bullworks buttoning here.
You, yet a slave croppin'—
studying on bloodying,
me, yet a fixing to defang
cotton mouth you.
To read more of Truth Thomas' work, go to www.depoetry.com.
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The Delaware Poetry Review, or DePoetry.com, is an online compilation of amazing, contemporary poetry gathered by a group of erudite editors based in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This notable compilation of poetry has been available since 2007, publishing new editions about once a year.
Each edition features a variety of poets chosen by the editors. This blog features our published poets.
More new works from the Mid-Atlantic Region are available at DePoetry.com. For feedback, contact depoet@capegazette.com or go to facebook.com/delawarepoetryreview.
