I used to think I was all sweet and nice
Now I embrace the depth of my spice
I feel my mean streak
Like the slap you gave my cheek
No one saw, no one cared
My teeth are now bared
I gnash and I lash
Though I may never pay you back
I thank you for my mean streak
Hard as the concrete streets I walked by night
I passed through strange doors to give my body to men grotesque and frightful
I don’t want eyes or minds on me
Through my labor I purchase my own liberty
I wonder if I will carry this scar through the portal of death to what comes next
I just hope I won’t see you there
If I do, I’ll shield myself with my mean streak
So you won’t get a chance to slap my other cheek
