A couple of years ago, I wrote this poem called Mr. Man. On open-mic night, I went to this major poetry spot in downtown Atlanta called Apache Café and decided to read my poem. I was pleasantly surprised because I received a standing ovation PLUS some free drinks from a couple of dudes. HA! So I thought that I’ll just share the poem with you guys. Let me know what you think:
Hey, Mr. Man
Can I have a word with you?
Or possibly an autograph
See, I’ve never been this close to goodness before
It’s no wonder why others try to imitate you
I believe that respect is due
For the strength in you
I know that sometimes you feel like giving up
Throwing in the towel
Throwing up your hands
Calling it quits
Saying, “Fuck it!”
And your ungrateful woman
Yes, I said ungrateful woman
The woman that doesn’t smile at the sound of your voice
Or shiver at the stroke of your fingertips
Or wipe your tears when your soul gets weary
Or applaud you for your determination
It’s a slap in the face
A punch to the chest
A kick in the balls
A slice to the throat
An insult to your pride
Ms. Thang
I just can’t understand
Your master plan
Reading books on how to change a man
Confiding in psychics
Talk shows
Your nosy mama
Your drunk uncle
Your gay sister
And your lonely friends
Don’t you see
That communication is the key
Sit and chat with your man
If there’s a problem at hand
Or maybe, Ms. Girly, the problem is you
Maybe he’s just sick and tired of you
Because you have some issues too
And you wonder why he’s cheating on you
Talking dirty about him to your friends
That shit needs to end
Taking out his spine and playing jump-rope with it
You think he needs help
But take a look at yourself
Ms. Independent
Ms. I’m-always-right
Ms. Oh-he’s-just-a-friend
Ms. Coming-home-in-the-middle-of-the-night
But you get mad and complain
When he acts the same
And you wanna point the blame
Understand that a man wants a woman that he can treasure
That will bring him not only physical, but mental pleasure
A woman that will rub his back
So cut him some slack
And get with the program
Before you be on the outside looking in
And you see your man laid up with your friend
Break out the champagne, candlelight, the leather whip, and strawberries
And celebrate the love in your man
The hard work in your man
The sensitivity in your man
The intelligence in your man
That’s the man with the master plan
Sonica
