Nation Free

By Kai Davis

I don’t got no president 

I was kidnapped then disowned 

Smoking dope wrapped in tobacco

that my folks had prolly grown 

Weary bodied weary boned 

in little boxes made of stone 

Separated from my neighbor 

by the walls that we don’t own 

So, yes I feel alone 

But I won’t let no one take me 

Grateful for what didn’t break me

I thank therapy and reiki 

I thank Tennessee and Haiti 

Humbly cradle Jake’s new baby 

with the smile my family gave me

Prostrate for the faith that saved me 

It does not cease to amaze me

that the State has not yet claimed me 

Black as ink, they can’t erase me

You want me, then make me 

No I won’t—say no I won’t 

go and forsake the pain that made me 

I will stitch a million wounds 

Sing to a million moons 

Pour libation for the martyrs that I

won’t be seeing soon 

Sit in water till I prune 

May I cry till I lagoon 

May I stride into the night 

to hear the cooing of the loon

Bless the sisters of my brood

Bless the brothers I’ve accrued 

Bless the table. Bless the food and

all who stand around this room 

I know love must be the tool to

undo all what makes us cruel 

Said I won’t be no country’s fool

Fuck your flag and fuck that song 

Fuck the White House and its

terror and its early light of dawn 

I really must be movin’ on.