Angela Davis - What Do I Know

What do I know
What can I know
What fine lessons
What has been taught

I know the pain-
bitter, burning
as it poisons
my very soul

Oh, humiliation-
now, that is a large word
with a larger effect
shame, heaped upon oneself

I know despair-
hopeless, wanting
needing, dying
from inside out

Now the degradation-
there is yet another
treated like you are less
and worse, feeling like less

How I know suffering
and much mental anguish
it's intolerable
death would be a release

What it is like
to be haunted
by memories
regret, sorrow

Then survival-
insufficient
an existence
does not mean life

I know wondrous hope-
giving me reason
to continue on
with this thing called life

Determination-
there is a big word
the will, and desire
to fight and strive- live

What about the joy-
of simply being
you and that is all
and that is enough

Then there is love, sweet love-
the biggest word of all
giving hope, and freedom
it is beautiful

What do I know
What can I know
What fine lessons
What has been taught

Without the bad
we would never
APPRECIATE
what good we have

Angela Davis

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/what-do-i-know/