"Power" Poem

 

Power Poem

 

This is a rewrite of an assignment.

Because I knew I would have to read it out loud in class.

When Monday afternoon was two nights away

I was confident:

Liked my topic,

            Practiced inflection,

                        Found the perfect phrasing.

And then came last night.

Late.

This isn’t the first time this has happened.

Artists fear mockery.

 

As much as I say “I don’t care what you think – ”

We all know I’m lying.

If actions speak louder than words,

What does my 1:30 rewrite say about me?

 

I have tried to shake it.

I have tried to shake you off.

But I can’t.

Like I’ve said –

This isn’t the first time this has happened.

 

Plainly:

You have “power” over me.

Always have.

And

 – I think –

You always will.