by Tedria Smith
I lay flat at her feet
And watch her brown skin sparkle
in the bright hot lights above me
She just turned seventeen
Her mother threw her out
so I am her provider
I control her so much
I made her change her name
her identity and her life
Her long-shaved legs twirl for me
She needs me and I give her
those high heel pumps, those
long pink squared shaped nails
those diamonds, that make-up
those long black-hair extensions
She puts a show on for me
her body moves like a snake to
loud slow and fast rhythmic beats
of music, all eyes on her
And by the time the show is over
I am the green, paper-thin thing
she needs to get through life.
THE VIRGINIA NORMAL 