I am a lonesome dove <br />and a free spirit eagle. <br />If you knew who I was, <br />how would you view me? <br />I'll give you a chance. <br />Someone approached me <br />on the street last night and <br />asked me 'Are you the <br />rebellious Negro poet who <br />has been well known for <br />several years? ' I simply <br />responded by saying 'At <br />one time, maybe. However, <br />I am now a poet. No. I'm an <br />artist.' He scoffed and said 'An artist? I've <br />never seen any of your <br />works.' I chuckled and <br />said 'I am an artist of <br />words. My pencil is my <br />paint brush. The paper <br />is my canvas. And most <br />important of all, my <br />words are my various <br />painting colors.' <br />Then he asked me <br />a question <br />unexpected. 'Who <br />are you, then? ' <br />I told him 'I am <br />the struggling <br />Negro artist. The <br />Homosexual poet, <br />who's parents <br />kicked him out, <br />because they didn't <br />understand. The most <br />educated black guy <br />in the neighborhood, <br />but is considered <br />ignorant because I'm <br />gay. That's who I am' <br />Now how do you view me?<br /><br />Jamal Brown<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-negro-poet-and-painter/
