Patricia Williams Poems

She was born without a chance
By a mother young enough to be her sister
Into a society where she wasn't wanted or needed
A file in a caseworker's desk
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Beautiful clothes, soft warm coats and nice shoes
Sometimes these are not things we can choose
Thrift shops, slightly worn and pre-owned clothes
Can keep you warm but some turn up their nose
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The bosses call it a more efficient company standard
But their layoffs will not pay my efficient credit card
Working for 20 years doesn't count for a thing
When you are being replaced by a cold metal machine
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Searching in a cloud of white
The fair maiden waits for her shining knight
The alarm clock shatters her world of bliss
Before she could even attain the first kiss
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You and I became one
I identify with you
and you with me
But we are still two
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You carry me to the lands and times
I have never been before
Magically you can carry me through
many an open door
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I could just scream, it may help you never can tell
They won't listen anyway so maybe I'll just yell
My age has increased my value has leassened
My money is short and my bills are worsened
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A yellow rose struggles to breathe
Among high weeds and dry earth
A broken board bangs against the house
Dirt and debris lays on a broken tile
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Apples and oranges whip cream and chocolate
Armani and Wrangler Penthouses and slums
Country and Rock Hip Hop and Classic
Differences help make America fantastic
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Scream silently, talk without a voice
Don't go throughout life without a choice
We make our own destinies
We have choices but no foresight
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