my Rich homie

My rich homie lets me borrow his Beamer sometimes.

“Put it in Sport mode,” he says.

I never have.

I glide down highways slowly.

He works a lot,

and we all wish we saw him more—

I wish he saw himself more.

I’ve known him a long time.

Pretty much,

he’s always been rich—

though he doesn’t see it that way.

If he fucks with you,

he’ll tell you the hard truth

about anything you ask.

With me,

sometimes it’s unsolicited.

Our other homie once repeated

something he said

about me

and my job at the time:

“They don’t value her—

and she needs to value herself more.”

That was the gist.

I was pissed.

So pissed.

Then I sat with it.

Picked apart all the reasons

I was upset.

And it was true.

The time had come

for me to reassess

my value.

My rich homie’s truth

can triple salaries.

I’ve seen it.

Makes me believe

even more

that wealth

is internal.

There’s nuance, though.

Always.

Is wealth something

given by God?

Is it our birthright?

Where does it start?

Can you build it?

Or are you

just making visible

what already existed

for you?

What is wealth?

Is it time?

Is it money?

Is it people?

Is it time

to spend the money

with the people?

What is wealth?

What is rich?

Is it a feeling?

Is it worth it?

I’m most certainly

still figuring wealth

and riches out—

and I think

I always will be.

What I do know

is gratitude

makes me feel wealthy.

Thank you, my God.

Thank you.

My rich homie

lets me borrow his Beamer sometimes.

“Put it in Sport mode,” he says.

And maybe,

I will

next time.

UNchanging value

strong black woman, bright streak of independence

same black woman sometimes feels weak and dependent

her value does not change as her emotions do

understand this

Don’t put more on her plate because of her race or the alleged pace you and that society you belong to believe she should be / could be running at

and if you can’t find empathy and understanding for her

keep

it

pushing

Please.

She does not have time for anymore negativity or foolishness

God sent her here on a mission

and she does not need your permission for…

anything

Understand that, simple human made of the same dust as she

Strong black woman with a dark streak of independence

Same black woman sometimes feels weak and dependent

Her value never changes

Priceless

Beautiful Photo: via Unsplash; photographer: Jessica Felicio

https://unsplash.com/@jekafe/portfolio

Take a listen:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/leave-me-alone-a-colors-show/1544476570?i=1544476572

https://music.apple.com/us/album/peng-black-girls-remix-a-colors-show-feat-jorja-smith/1544810035?i=1544810036