Streak

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