This week’s poetry includes a beautiful and touching poem written by the famous playwright, Ntozake Shange. If most of you think you’ve never heard of her, think about all the powerful poetry you heard in the movie, For Colored Girls. This inspiring movie will filled with poetry written by Shange. Born Paulette Williams, she worked hard throughout her life. Despite her struggles she was able to obtain her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees both in American Studies. She contemplated and attempted suicide on several occasions because of the struggles in her relationships and with society. She didn’t know her place within society. She changed her name to the African name Ntozake Shange, which means “she who comes with her own things” and “she who walks like a lion.” She now serves as an educator, director and a writer. Ntozake Shange is perhaps most known for her play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf (1975).
“Sorry”
One thing I don’t need
is any more apologies
I got sorry greetin me at my front door
you can keep yours.
I don’t know what to do wit em
they don’t open doors
or bring the sun back.
They dont make me happy
or get a mornin paper
didn’t nobody stop usin my tears to wash cars.
Cuz a sorry
I am simply tired
of collectin
I didn’t know
I was so important to you
I’m gonna haveta throw some away
I can’t get to the clothes in my closet
for alla the sorries.
I’m gonna tack a sign to my door
leave a message by the phone
‘if you called
to say your sorry
call somebody
else!
I don’t use em anymore’
I let sorry/ didn’t meanta/ & how could I know about that?
Take a walk down a dark & musty street in brooklyn!
I’m gonna do exactly what I want to
& I won’t be sorry for none of it!
Letta sorry soothe your soul/ I’m gonna soothe mine!
You were always inconsistent
doin somethin & then bein sorry
beatin my heart to death!
Talkin bout you sorry well,
I will not call,
I’m not goin to be nice,
I will raise my voice,
& scream & holler
& break things & race the engine
& tell all your secrets bout yourself to your face
& I will list in detail everyone of my wonderful lovers
& their ways I will play oliver lake loud!
& I wont be sorry for none of it
I LOVED YOU ON PURPOSE,I WAS OPEN ON PURPOSE!
I still crave vulnerability & close talk
& I’m not even sorry bout you bein sorry!
you can carry all the guilt & grime ya wanna
just dont give it to me!
I cant use another sorry
next time
you should admit
you’re mean/ low-down/ triflin/ & no count straight out
steada bein sorry alla the time
enjoy bein YOURSELF
Photo credit: http://www.blogher.com/awesome-women-ntozake-shange
Biography source: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/ntozake-shange
I knew you once and I’m happy about that. Good advice: enjoy being yourself. …I’m workin’ on that.
Glenn
Zaki, been looking for you for years. Maybe this’ll find its way to you. Been following your path and struggles, good to see you remain at the top of your “game.” With fond wishes and memories, Anthony Molino
I am trying to learn this for my drama class it’s Sooo hard but I like it. I got to make it sound that the way it’s written. This is going to be soooo good!
I remember way back in 2001… I recited this entire poem my senior in highschool. I was “tomboy”. I remember wearing a dress and heels and being sassy…I nailed it!!! Now it’s 2021 and I’m still reading this poem…now with literal understanding 🤭☺️💕