*****

Recorded Reading (0:58): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9a3wu2z55pystnh1sw0fc/I-ain-tryin.aac?rlkey=t6hxnysoqlfa7sotpcd66egfy&dl=0

*****

i ain tryin

ta
get one up
put one over
pull the wool on
you

put you down
like a clown
make you frown
why would i do?

put self over
or you under
i can only wonder
why

people thoughta
that they gotta
make dey brodda
cry

feel me bro
try to know
like to grow
smiles around me, not

selfish grab
some small scrap
over which we’ve
torn an’ fought

i don’t care
what you do
long’s you’re true
to this true

just see i
never try
but for highest
good of all

we have all
hit that wall —
brother, i ain tryin
at all

*****

This poet is physically disabled.

Public housing being insufficient to her medical and creative needs, in order to continue working she is presently living in her minivan, publishing all of her works using one thumb on the touch screen of her smartphone and surviving at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

If her work has touched you, she would treasure any contribution you might be good enough to offer ~ http://www.UgiftABLE.com ● #72D-31S.

Please be aware that it takes several days for her to be notified of patronage. Thank you for caring.

*****