Friday, May 23, 2008


Poem Published in KARAMU, Spring 2008, Vol. XXI, No. 1


Sorry but I’m still here

I can’t donate my organs,
I have cirrhosis, cystitis, and diabetes.
Father Joe says I’m a bump,
My ex swears I’m the devil, my children call me the Zero.

I’m part of the scum that productive people wish to erase.
I drink wine but I prefer pure alcohol,
I also take drugs when friends hand them to me
But I don’t smoke because it’s bad for my health.

I know most of the jails in Texas
And some in Louisiana,
But I fancy the ones in Oklahoma.
They are cleaner and they give you salsa with your meals.

I tried rehabilitation a couple of times
But it didn’t suit me, I got sick.
Now I live from your garbage in your backyard
Although most of the time you smell me but you don’t see me.

Sorry if my odor stuffs your joy
And my appearance shocks your pets.
Sorry if my existence infuriates your god
But I’ll be here until my love dries.