spoken word

i wanted to be known.

i wrote,

i read it aloud.

i rhymed,

i sang it.

i traveled.

i wanted to be accessible.

ask me anything.

i shipped my own merchandise

and made small talk at the post office.

i confessed in interviews.

i wrote books.

i included my secrets.

i signed the books.

i didn’t wear make up

and just let my face out

of the cage like a tiger.

i wanted to be coveted.

i seduced.

in school

i slipped notes in hands,

often to no one

particularly interesting.

and then realized that

singing was better.

i would sing for love.

i would be loved.

i used myself as a decoy.

still not known enough.

read my diary.

listen to my dream.

why is it so hard,

purring in all of the languages.

when will i be known.