October 25, 2023
Based on “Roman Poem Number Fourteen” by June Jordan
believe me friend
believe
my truth
screaming from
my scarred throat
it must be heard
believe me friend
believe
my innards were
stolen
o believe me friend
believe
the raised scars that
tattoo my body
they must be heard
believe
believe me
nightmares don’t wake me but
haunt my days
o my friend
hear me
nightmares of anguish and
reliving the fear
feeling the pain
jailed in this mind of my own
believe
believe me
sitting in a chair
twice a week
asking someone
anyone
to hear me
(why won’t you?)
o my dearest friend
believe my truth
believe
believe me