(a rewrite of the Nipsey Russell song “What Would I Do If I Could Feel?” from “The Wiz”)

what would i do if could suddenly stop feeling? would 

that make my life less real?

i wouldn’t cry, i wouldn’t smile, i would lay back for a while 

tell me, what would i do if i could not feel?

what would i do if i could reach inside of me and 

not care if i like what i see?

i’d be more than glad to rid myself of all that’s inside here the 

sorrows my heart might bring, i’d no longer have to sing

and tears would never fall from my eyes there’d be 

no wounds to mend

and just think of all the time i could spend if i 

didn’t have to be vulnerable again

oh tell me what, what would i do oh 

tell me what, what would i do

oh tell me what, what would i do if i couldn’t feel

Baltimore Beat is running poems from participants in the group Writers in Baltimore Schools, which offers programming that builds skills in literacy and communication while creating a community of support for young writers.

The post what would i do if i couldn’t feel? appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

i am not your Black stereotype
yes, i am loud
and yes, i take up space
i am pissed at the world
and i’ll scream it in your face

i read books for leisure
i listen to music
just like your white neighbor
just like your white teacher

don’t put me in a box
don’t confine me to your rules
i am no longer your slave
no longer your tool

i will blossom and grow
and let everyone know
i will emerge from the shadows
and strike a deafening blow

i am not your Black stereotype
i need no correction
don’t call this line again
there is no connection

The post “no connection” appeared first on Baltimore Beat.