In These Times has partnered with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance (NWA) to amplify the stories and struggles of ordinary people, including workers in the United States. This piece, part of an ongoing biweekly series, originally appeared in the Journal of Ordinary Thought, published by NWA. Find more stories and voices at the NWA’s blog.
I am putting down the words of my poem, real life
So that every word that I say comes out right
In order to keep my mind up tight I struggle
And me and my woman struggle, yeah
I dig a woman who’s strong
But not so strong that we can’t get along
Me and my woman we hustle and we tussle
But not with each other, because we are lovers It is against a system that is hell-bent on destroying us
That does not employ us
Then has enough nerve to want to enjoy us
We do not fuss and cuss
We work together to make the community better
To make a better place for all of us
Cleaning up the hood Making it look real good
And helping our neighbors
Who, for whatever reason, are unable I am determined to make our world stable
And my true sister gives me a hand
She understands And loves me for being her man
A love that outshines the sun and comes over the rain
So ebony and mahogany
Come roll up your sleeves and follow me
Put on your thinking cap for some serious, critical rap
Me and my woman struggle
Ah yeah!
I hope you found this article important. Before you leave, I want to ask you to consider supporting our work with a donation. In These Times needs readers like you to help sustain our mission. We don’t depend on—or want—corporate advertising or deep-pocketed billionaires to fund our journalism. We’re supported by you, the reader, so we can focus on covering the issues that matter most to the progressive movement without fear or compromise.
Our work isn’t hidden behind a paywall because of people like you who support our journalism. We want to keep it that way. If you value the work we do and the movements we cover, please consider donating to In These Times.
