"Ways to Be Black in a Poem," by Thomas Sayers Ellis

Ways to Be Black in a Poem," by Thomas Sayers Ellis
Ways to Be Black in a Poem

You'll need a talk, an oral walk,
Something natural and recognizable by your folk,
Something of music something of meaning.
A style capable of running-off at-the-mouth
When Massa AmEuroBrit Lit irks you most,
A little something-something of ancestry
And the courage not to accept any award

that helps you
and hurts others.

You'll need "Saturation,"
Your own profanity of Sundays,
Breakfast and Blackfist.
Wherever there is living You must listen
For the if and when the vernacular gives birth again.
You will need more than reference
Coulda woulda shoulda
And more than edjumacation.

You may even need to sell you and buy you,
So low
So long
Sold
Or to slant yourself into a container whose symbolism
Is unknowingly superior
To standard usage,

A brilliant Attitude loved by Good.