Untitled (“I am a poet”)
By Willie Alston, Jr.

I am a poet.
I’m saying this,
because my words are stronger than any fist.
This world is corrupted by pollution.
My mind helps my words find solutions.
I’ll rally up all the poets so we can riot.
I want my voice to be heard.
I’m sick of being quiet.
My mother told me to never let life pass me by,
and I’m here to tell you that only a real man can cry.