A Voice Speaking Out
by Faye Turner-Johnson
(published in Sky Island Journal, Issue 7, Winter 2009)
I have a voice that roams wild through the streets at night
sometimes yowling at the moon
screaming to reach the stars
shocking those who hear it
they say it is too raw . . . tone it down
bring it into the backyard . . . fence it in leash it
make it civilized
then come to us again when it is well-mannered
so I take it into the galleria . . . hang it there
place it on display to give it culture
then I shall bring it back to the people
all dressed up in fine shapes and rich colors
leaving the black at home alone and forsaken
wanting for so much more than I can ever give
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