it’s all here
the first time
i was called nigger
and the tears of a four-year old
the lady who
found my deep voice funny
and calling others to listen
and there’s that damn swimming pool
for whites only
they never did figure out
who put the red dye in
some folks just can’t tap dance
and being served last
or not at all
even when your were first
and let’s not forget track
hell…
let’s do
and here’s that 54 buick with overdrive
that took us roller skating
where anyone could be a star
(with the right moves)
and rev. brown…
how he tried to save my soul
but he was heaven bound
before i could make up my mind
(oh…but when i did)
i joined the choir
and what a choir
if you can get into heaven
on the amens your singing brings
(then i’m home free)
so rev. brown
don’t you fret
damn here’s my first love
now that…
broke a commandments or two
do you think god understands how stupid
we are with our first love
(i pray he does)
women’s underwear?
yeah…i remember college
once bound so neatly with dreams
now frayed and stained with beer and cigarettes
the seams are busting with memories
writing poems with quincy troupe
drinking with alex haley
black showcase performances
meeting muhammad ali
lovers
friends
and others…
seems impossible
but nothing seems to be lost
oh sure
some things seem out-of-place
but they’re all here
i guess you die when the sac is full
now where can i place
today…