*Excerpts from “The Truth”
(2012)
In a true poem you go where the poetry carry you…
That’s what Lucy Larcom said and that’s the happy truth…
That’s why she got a park where me and my uncle Gary boomed…
Bangin’ on them drums…
Way back then when I was young
To write the real is what I love…
And like Ms. Larcom…
I suppose I’ll go on doin’ what I does…
Expressin’ myself in this way…
Always…
For all time—all days…
Despite the fact that it don’t make ends meet…
To earn with the pen is done with difficulty…
Not enough to get necessities doesn’t discourage me…
I ain’t ‘bout to sell out and put out what sells…
Ain’t sellin’ my soul to hell
Report internal cries and the Paternal helps…
Keep me in Heaven
Where I am now on the literary question…
Where I’m content to remain—even if I’m faced with contention
Followin’ the impulses of the fingers…
Ink instrument singin’…
Truth ringin’…
Occasionally interminglin’ with bullshit ‘cause’a my human views and opinions
Could do other things of my choosin’…
Other things in order to bring the loot in…
But if I’m spewin’ Truth then that’s the Lord’s doin’…
Givin’ others the best of my life…
Make the result of my livin’ worthwhile…
Trooper style.