They Told Me

I haven't been able to write with the same ability as I did a few weeks ago. I feel like I'm relearning old skills. But that doesn't mean I'll give up. I'll continue to write until I surpass myself.

They told me I couldn’t write, they told me I couldn’t say

They told me I couldn’t spit, they told me I couldn’t spray

They told me I couldn’t listen, they told me I couldn’t share

They told me I couldn’t glisten, they told me that this was fair

They told me if I defied them, that I would taste despair

Maybe my talent is missing, it's ok to stare

But I told them I’d continue to deny them, they could f**k off and grow a pair

They told me that they’d find them, every word, ever stair that I’ve stepped

Every war I’ve wrecked, every letter I kept, the people I effect, the path that I've crept, the past that I've left, the truth I accept

They told me I didn’t have a voice, that there’d be no point

I told them screaming dreaming sun beaming on the demons 

Who anointed you my god? How can steal what I'm feeling? That that’s not their choice, as long as I'm breathing

That only the void can take away words, that I won’t be silent, that I would be heard

They told me I couldn’t, I was a runner without legs, I told them they're mistaken I'd push forward forsaken, receive what they've taken, and push without breaking

Sentences are sacred grace, I’ll keep walking, at a slow pace

And I’ll keep talking, in my own way, because I live my own days

And if you keep stalking, and telling me my place, then I will keep walking, your yelling erased

Give me some space, I'll face this alone, make this paper my throne, and atone for what has been broken reborn, formed, over the paper that's torn and print my name on the page, whether you consider me a poet, or wish that I fade

Blow away the words of yesterday's storm in my mouth, speak about anything, living for health, or else let me be tested, let me break, let me be bested, let me face my own fate

Let me brace these bones back together, make my own legs

Swim through the hate and create a new state, a clean slate to be great, a poem to make

They told me I couldn’t write, they told me I couldn’t say

But at the end of the day, they couldn’t take that away

When words mean so much, and so much is at stake

I'll make it my crutch, I've written enough that it doesn't matter what they told, what they say

I'll display my pride my poems, play this game for my own sake

Author's Note

I very seldom reply to reviews, but I promise I read EVERY single one. I look forward to my next review because it helps me learn. Even if it's just one word, I promise, I will be ecstatic to have the chance to hear what you have to say. Whenever you write something about my poems, or the themes of my poems, or criticize me it is not in vain. I will listen, learn and be thankful.

Reviews

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

The flavor I found inside me while reading was kinda Dr. Suessie and that is not a bad thing! Dr. Suess is one legendary dude! You 've made me curious. You ve overcome and that makes it worth it! Never let anyone silence you when you have something worth saying.

[.]

Sometimes I do experience such situations... with my artworks, they seem to be degrading at a particular period ... But my art teacher says that,... at that moment, we must discover the mistakes rather than dropping or leaving it like that. You took a good decision, ...you wrote this poem.

Try to recognize the strong words and replace the weaker ones with the more feeling/sensitive words.
I loved the theme of the poem. It's quiet encouraging. I hope you will put this poem in a more beautiful frame of words.

I am sure you are preparing for a masterpiece, I will be waiting for it.

I hope my review was helpful.
Keep writing....Good luck!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Jack, whoever “they” are- don’t listen to them! Shut them right out of your mind. You are a talented poet and this poem/rap is just brilliant. Form, flow, killer rhythm and intricate rhyme, alliteration, metaphor, imagery- all exceptional, masterful. I hear each line spoken, each line spat at out in defiance, challenge, triumph of self and purpose. “Swim through the hate and create a new state”-such a relevant and timely line. Kudos to you, “to thine own self be true”and keep writing!!