Anne's mediocre poetry

I know a woman nearly drowned by water.
You took her head you held it under.
I know a woman who rose from the dead
She struck like lightening, she roared like thunder.

I know a woman with a knife at her throat
who said I do though she didn’t.
I know a woman who didn’t quit.
She worked, she lived, she survived it.

I know a woman – our neighbor’s spouse
she was beaten black and blue.
I know a woman who left that spouse.
She wasn’t murdered, she lived her life.

I know a woman at twelve years old-
they nearly married off.
I know a woman who screamed and hollered.
She pitched a fuss, she saved herself.

You ask me why I came today
I’m telling you this is true.
I know a woman with a tale to tell,
I know this woman, you bet I do.
And yes, you know her too.

1/25/2017

This piece of porcelain
does not belong to you.
She is unique,
none like her in
all the world.
She is a singular
piece of work,
beautiful in her tones,
the curves-
those patterns three dimensional,
promising more.
But she does not
belong to you!
So keep your grubby
paws off!

Hey you, archaeologist-
someday this piece of porcelain
just might break
on top of your skull-
crack your head
wide open.

7-19-89

i sit on a park bench counting dandelions
and shine as the park lights do
a man in blue and gold
comes up to me
and lets me know that i’m either
crazy
or stupid
to sit there alone

i stand at a bus stop
it is late at night and i am waiting
impatiently
worrying about the one
whose pride was stolen
and i let myself know that i’m either
crazy
or stupid
to stand there alone

he says “i don’t walk downtown”
he says “this is a rotten neighborhood”
he says “it’s not safe here for you”
i reply “my rights are being infringed upon”

yes dear you have the right to lose your pride
you have the right to lose your life
but ask them “do i have the right to walk
in the city?”
and they will let you know
that you are either
crazy
or just plain stupid

1989