“Ninety nine and a half won’t do.” ~ Wilson Pickett

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Recorded Reading (1:17): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zb6ur9hhi9nqx5e9ivzmu/Bringing-Ninety-Nine.mp3?rlkey=gxs5bjilm9vd71vqynsuxrcnw&dl=0

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Bringing Ninety Nine

I have had enough insulting
To last me a million years
And enough humiliation,
Denigration, sweat and tears

To drown the average person
In an ocean of salt brine —
Not one of our traditional
Happinesses has been mine

For more than a short period
Ending always in great pain
Now it’s time to teach this poet
How to smile again

Whatever “gift” you bring to me
I will give it back,
If it comes with words which will
Put me on attack

I don’t demean your practices,
Don’t insult your deep belief,
Perspectives do not denigrate
By which you find relief

Go ahead and think this case
One I’m overstating
(Yet another conviction
Of mine worth denigrating!)

I only need to self protect
By asking for basic respect
Because this peaceful poet knows
How badly, otherwise, it goes

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This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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