when de uncola photographer instruct(s) me to smile
him also say
Put your hands behind your back. Now turn
so that we can see your hands. Lower
your chin. Back straight. Smile!
so that we can see your hands. Lower
your chin. Back straight. Smile!
& when i’m bout to ax
if i get a scooby-snac(k)
if i get a scooby-snac(k)
afterwards
i remember
my hand(s) are still
behin(d) my bac(k)
so i fling dem forward
& flip him lef(t) & right bird(s)
my hand(s) are still
behin(d) my bac(k)
so i fling dem forward
& flip him lef(t) & right bird(s)
him yell
O. My. God.
This is great. You’re a natural.
& i laf
when de light in front of me starts
poppin & den i laf dat i’m laffin
This is great. You’re a natural.
& i laf
when de light in front of me starts
poppin & den i laf dat i’m laffin
& him still yellin to god & declarate-in
my greatness one mo gin
my greatness one mo gin
him say
Put your hands behind your back. Wait.
Where are you
Where are you
going?
as de blood dance(is)
wif de metal
attach(d) to de partial
cuttin my gum
wif de metal
attach(d) to de partial
cuttin my gum
Notes:
Audio poem performed by the author.
Source: Poetry (July/August 2024)