Henery X (long)
Jan 112 min
A poem
Photo by William Duggan on Unsplash
Where I Am From
2024, Henery X ©
Where I am from is the womb of a woman whose wisdom ensured I knew everything I needed to know before I entered anyone’s classroom
So, unlike the other children, I never had to guess or assume
Where I am from is the Motor City, for those not in the know that’s Detroit… "What up doe?" Home of the greatest record label ever. Stevie, Marvin, Smokey, The Temptations… need I say more?
If so, Motown Records, just so we can bring that ship onto the shore
Where I am from is the darkness and the light
Where day is better than night, but the night still offers some helluva sights
Where I am from is the position of unwise decisions
That would be partially responsible for me eventually choosing spirituality over religion
Where I am from is war and peace
Starving for a feast
But would be grateful for a piece of bread, to say the least
Where I am from is the land of plenty, but lack everything
Where I’m allowed to sleep all day, but not expected to live a dream
I’m the bird that longs to fly, but discouragement weighs down my wings
Where I am from is the home of will, desire, and determination
Book smart with a street education
Now, this is what deans and scholars consider the perfect combination
Where I am from is heaven and hell
What do you mean you can’t tell?
I’m fighting injustice from the deck of a cruise ship that's about to sets sail
Where I am from is where you are, as well as where you desire to be
We’re both a branch and our situation is the tree
Our thoughts are imprisoned in our minds, but changing our thinking is the key
That will eventually set them all free
Where I am from is life and death
Where I'll be creating memorable moments until I breathe my last breath
Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my offering.