nigger (published version)

nigger just another word, right - left alone not entirely unlike - cracker - but THE POWERS THAT BE have unilaterally decreed - U can't use the word nigger in our enlightened society - unless you're black and by black I mean blacker than me - if U is a cracker that shit I heard - better had been the n word - which don't make a whit of sense 2 me - since it's the same racist bullshit - whichever way one chooses 2 use it - its enough 2 give me fits and spells - thinking about all that money money money - I ain't finna ever get a chance 2 spend - am I supposed to sit and watch as U rape my brothers and sisters - somehow trying 2 pretend the same shit ain't happening 2 me - and what about THE POWERS THAT BE - from some far away place - across an uncrossable sea - there they sit in judgement of distant communities - squeezing ever tighter - giggling as they bleed - and this well-bred well-fed white bread motherfucker never does realize - never does he see - the only nigger he need fear - the only nigger he's ever even been near - is that nigger looking at him when he looks in the mirror

In January 2007 I found out that this would be my third piece 2 be published. In order 4 it 2 fit within the constraints set up by the contest, however, I had 2 alter the format. I hope U still like it, although I personally prefer it with the original layout. Tell me what U think by leaving me a comment!!!

The Bum

His name is Andrew Jackson
And he never planned on becoming a bum
Or a junkie either
It just sorta happened
Sometime after the war
Yeah, they taught him 2 kill in Vietnam
But, back here in the world son
Killing is wrong
Then what the fuck am I supposed 2 do
Do U know what they turned me N2
The things I've seen
The things I still see when I dream

A lonely park bench will be his bed 4 the night
But the cops'll be along 2 roust him
Long B4 daylight comes back around
Bringing with it yet another day

He stands on the corner
With a hand lettered sign
Sure, there may be jobs out there
But he's way past his prime
Accepting pity
Will work 4 food
Do U have any money?
Does it do any good?

He sits on the corner
Cold wind blowing
Through his beard
Hoping he can make it
Just one more day
Praying the end is near

He sits on the corner
Cold wind blowing through his hair
Does anyone really care?

© 2007 by R. Jones


This is a slightly different version than U may have heard or have seen previously. The prior version wuz Published by the International Poetry Society in 2004. When I read the original on stage in 1995 Celebrated Bay Area poet Max Schwartz approached me afterward and remarked, "U have some important, important stuff 2 say." A wonderful compliment that I am proud of 2 this day. Tell me what U think of The Bum...leave a comment!

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