Poem: “Woman with a Voice”
*This poem is part of our online forum on ‘The Imprisoned Black Radical Tradition,’ organized by Stephen Wilson and Garrett Felber. The forum is in honor of Black August, which recognizes the overlapping histories of Black resistance.
I am a woman who has a voice. My name is Joycee, I hate the name Joyce!
Prior to my wrongful conviction, I was an anti-violence activist, clergy and hairstylist.
My life speaks volumes, no need for profiling…
In 1998, a young boy was murdered on the side of my hair salon in the broad daylight.
It didn’t ‘sit right.’
The gunshots rang out Pop Pop!!
I was beyond terrified; I ran for my life.
The pain in my heart; It cut like a knife!
The vic’s name was Shequan.
Wasn’t transferred to the morgue until the break of dawn…
I’m shook, breathing hard and looking around!
His lifeless body laid on the ground…His eyelids open wide.
“Senseless murder,” I cried, wondering how many bodies got smoked outside…
I thought OMG, this neighborhood is unsafe.
I had this business, but wanted to escape.
The culprit was only 16 and life gone to waste.
Caught him a body and ‘murder was the case’…
So, I sacrificed my life to cater to the youth.
Not a permanent residence, I’m just passing through…
I’m optimistic, and adamant about obtaining my exoneration.
Under God’s declaration, this is my dedication.
It’s all about proper perspective and presentation…Dealt a hand I didn’t deserve.
Accepted my call to protect, serve.
With God I will win, and that’s my word.
My life and choices can make a difference in spite of what appears to be my demise.
I forgive all of my enemies that plotted against me and lied…
Thought they was rocking me to sleep.
Had no idea they were setting me free.
I’m working on obtaining my paralegal degree.
Will travel once again wholeheartedly…
To enlighten where I came from called, ‘the Urban.’
Was never viewed as a threat, or burden…
The mentally ill, downtrodden and battered women.
Shedding light on repercussions, and consequences…
Don’t care what people think it’s how you feel about self.
Read, write, stay focused and you’ll gain the wealth.
Wear your mask, and wash your hands to ‘protect your health.’
In other words, its called “SELF HELP.”
Without a voice, and meaningful words.
Trust me people. “You’ll never be heard.”
