Yell for Help (AKA Self Empowerment 101)

(ode to Erica Platt)
(set to music by Rick Kleffel and Bill Reed)


I don't think much
of respecting myself
of protecting myself
not denying myself
my right to be

When the cameras came at me
I dug in my place
I sheltered my face
I covered my space
Let my own speak for me

I got axd questions like
Were you scared
were you charred
were you unprepared
for that from which you set yourself free

My auntie replied
she's ghetto posessed
she's God-lovin' blessed
so don't you ever mess
with a girl from South Philly

It was a sweet afternoon
runnin' down the steamin' concrete
We were playin' ball, jonesin'
off some open window's beat box beat

Licorice in my mouth
was promised by a man in the car
but all I felt was this hand
smack my head with stars

Refrain: shut up, he said
shut up, he said
(Or you'll end up dead)
shut up, he said
(noone tells me to pipe down)

I hear ghosts of my cousins
in their conversation
All the mend tied, died and blind
for all the money they crave

I felt hands bind my mouth
Block my eyes as they scream and shout
"Who the hell gave you the right
to take me away..."

Refrain

Cold quiet is my world
after the rough slam of the door
Tired from all my tears
soaked through the floor

I bless my momma, my daddy,
my grannma, my aunties, my cousins
my uncles
I feel rage of my peoples
Echo in my mind

They didn't lock the door
Damn what were they thinkin'
Some light through bars ahead
Some voices singin'

Callin' to my friends
Like a doll on a dirty shelf
It better be the last time
I ever yell for help