The Brand
We were kids
in
1963,
it was
Ricki Jo an'
me
sippin'
cherry cokes
at Potter's Pharmacy.
"Ricki Jo, why
do they
hate,
"Ricki Jo, why
do they
discriminate?
"Ricky Joe, why
can't they see
what they
do?"
Peg-leg came
beggin'
in the
pharmacy,
he had no
money for
the
cure,
his stub pain
was for
sure.
He lost
his leg
hoppin'
the morning
train,
he slept
out in
the evening
rain,
he drank
Thunderbird
from a
brown paper
sack,
he lived with
hobos
beside the
railroad
track.
Townfolk kicked
at his homemade
wooden
leg,
kids shot
spit wads
at his
social outcast
peg.
"Ricki Jo, why
do they
hate,
"Ricki Jo, why
do they
discriminate
"Ricki Jo, why
can't they see
what
they do
"Ricki Jo, aren't
you glad
it's not
you?"
42 years
later,
it's still the
same,
do people
have no
shame?
It's Ricki Jo
an'
me
sippin' draft
beer
at
Potter's Pub,
formerly known
as
Potter's
Pharmacy.
We have
no money
for the
cure,
Ricki Jo's
face
pain
is for
sure.
She lost
flesh off
her throat
an'
face
for being
from
the
gay
race.
hate crime
breaking
law
cost her
handsome
jaw.
They held
a
branding
iron to
her
jaw,
an' burned
her vocal
cords silent
an'
raw.
People point
an'
stare,
we're not
welcome
anywhere,
it's just
not
fair.
"Ricki Jo, why
do they
hate
"Ricki Jo, why
do they
discriminate
"Ricki Jo, why
can't they
see what
they
do?
Ricki Jo,
I'm sorry
it's
you."
Copyright 2005 Sage Sweetwater, firebrand lesbian novelist
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Aberjhani
can't they
see what
they
do?' Oh Sage! This is a potent anti-discriminatory poem! Love the way you have scribed it! Anti-bias work is what the world needs! Well done fearless girlfriend!!
Love & Support Suzie xoxox :-)
Love & Light,
Joseph
step we take forward seems to lead to two back. More! You are doing a wonderful job of making those who WILL think think. Do exist. Have to believe. HAVE to. This poem brings up so many images from the past. P e o p l e. Thank you for continuing to beat the drum for those who suffer humiliation and worse. To some extent,
most of us have been. . .brrrrrrr. Love and Peace, Sis'ah Pea
peace and holy blessings !
Rich Criso
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o(
Regis
Tears are pouring down my face...I'm sorry your friend had to endure this shame, this...pain, this...hate. I would hope that we would learn to grow up and accept people for whom they are. Maybe because it's because of fear of the unknown that drives people to discriminatory remarks and behavior.
Shattering, in your face, no holds barred, burns like a brand in my brain...this will linger for quite some time. ((((HUGS))))
Love, Karla.
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :( >tears <
being disabled, i know how it feels to be discriminated against (but times are getting better as i grow older); but i still have the memories of being teased on account of my disabilities.