Emotion of Women

Look at me.

I listened to your story, but

there is one that I have as well.

Boy, I hope you’re listening.

I don’t want you for your money

or your penis.

Nah—

I ain’t no pinup.

I won’t split in ya’ lap.

I can go out and secure my own bag.

If I really wanted to hit,

I’d send you the signs.

I have been disrespected enough in my life.

Only if I could tally the times

I was called out of my name!

Growing up, I was never anybody’s daughter.

My father would rape me and my mother.

My momma was too hooked on

the pipe to stop that animal.

Imagine your dad calling you every

female dog he could think of.

My dad didn’t see me as his precious princess.

I was used as a slate for him to pen his sins on.

I couldn’t play with Barbie dolls

or practice makeup on my sisters.

Dey’ were too busy skeezing around.

Once you get hooked, you’ll do anything for them drugs!

I couldn’t watch Saturday morning

cartoons or play hopscotch.

At the age of three,

I had my first shot of Scotch.

I was left to fend for myself.

I turned to the streets.

Dudes would say,

“Damn, shawty. You cold as fuck!”

You goddamn right I am.

Colder than some nipples during intercourse.

No concern for life cuz’ nobody ever took

the time to see if I was alright.

So, before you think that I am

just another money

hungry female—

You better think again.

I want some affection, too.

I want to be kept and nurtured.

Why can’t I have someone

who will not give up on me?