Whatever you try to do, you can't
take that joy away from me.

My joy is mine

I cried when you inflicted me, but the joy
within me comforted my soul.

You would never understand why I smile.

You would never know why I ignore the hateful things said about me, or my people.

I have joy within me that you could never tear down.

Like oil cleaving to my skin, I am clothed with love.

My water repellent skin does not soak in your cancerous words.

My joy is mine

I will not converse with serpents, slithering on the ground, with nothing good to say and pure mischief in their mouths.

I look away, I walk away because no one can take my joy away from me.

My joy is mine

(January 2008)