Whispers

What would Nina Simone think?

I don’t know

But I…
but I…

All this talk
all this “leadership”
the broth is rotten
it’s just there were
more options for broth
before.

I don’t want the broth
never did.

Looks like it might get a little more
uncomfortable
to make your own broth.

Better uncomfortable
than dependant
I always say
to myself,
before turning on the hot
water for a shower.

Smile, because you can
a little voice whispers to me.
I love that little voice,
still here
after all these years.
It knows what’s below,
It knows ignorance
It knows slavery
It knows all kinds
of desperation
and violence
and hate.

And yet…
it whispers to me,
as clear as always,
quiet
and not rushful
contented
resolved
it whispers,
Smile because you can.

And so I do.