The town is where my roots are
grounded, kicked out at 17
I learned that a house
has walls and foundation
But my home was whatever
porch I found to sleep that night
never fittin’ in
my blood is battling inside
Cuz my
Ancestors were the enslaved
and the oppressors,
Activist, loud ass
Politically educated
don’t get shit twisted
Cuz I done been thru
some shit, and my trauma
ain’t sweet, it’s the scars
that mark my journey
Of the roads not to cross again
Turning my
struggle into determination
victimization into passion
My family inheritance wasn’t grandma’s
money,
Nah it was a 3rd generation single mother
Addicted
just trying to be something—legacy
Have something—abundance
I walk guided by my ancestors
and my commitment is to justice
LeaJay—From The Gutter
LeaJay Harper is a Po Poet/PovertySkola, houseless/-now Homefulness resident, & POOR Magazine reporter.