jocelyn vye

I know a secret
Do you know it, too?
Let’s trade stares and find out 
The next time we share room

It’s a secret that buzzes 
When we take up space

Types like us
Abominations
Big problems
Nightmares for execs ripping snow on the slaloms

A secret so sacred
To all who crawl out

From free lunch stubs
CPS calls
Pell grants
Couch to couch

The secret is this
White dudes, gather round:

You lack the requisite skills 
To drive my soul underground. 

I should be dead
Hooked on crack
Full of lead
On my back

I’m supposed to be ashes
I tried it myself
In what reality
Could you ever drain my spiritual wealth?

The shine of my star
The echo from these lungs
The mince-free truths
Off the ends of my tongues? 

I’ve outlived my expectancy
Do your worst while I’m here
Release from this plane
Is the last thing I fear.