Marcia Gregory Hi, my name's Marcia Gregory. I became interested in Performance Art when lecturers actually admitted to finding enjoyment in my essays! From this rather dubious introduction to the power of words, I have twice appeared on stage. I'm black. I 'm female. I'm a black female who is not invisible.
Poems in this collection:	DO YOU HAVE TO! text and audio track INTER-COMPANY PHONE CALL text and audio track THE LAY ME DOWN BLUES text and audio track

DO YOU HAVE TO!
 
Do you have to be so opinionated?
Well, yes
I have something to say & you're going to listen
I refuse to be dismissed, cast aside, relegated
My thoughts, dreams, ideals are as important as yours
(Although maybe not so eloquently expressed)
 
 
Do you have to dress the way that you do?
Well, yes
Clothes are the attitude I wear to ward off society's expectations
I am a walking epitome of classy, sexy, bold tomboy - a wonderful
combination
Do you like me?
 
 
Do you have to wear your hair that way?
Well, yes
I look vile in a PERM
& worse in a RELAXED
So, why self-inflict further?
I'm not entirely comfortable with NATURAL but that's to be expected
Seeing the real me takes some getting used to
 
 
Do you have to joyfully admit to your man-free status?
Well, yes
I get a kick out of telling guys I can live without them
I wind up mommy dearest with the threat of test-tube grand-children
Anyway, nappies, wet patches & anniversary presents are not exactly high
on my list of priorities
 
 
Do you have to be alone?
Well.. no
I choose to be confrontational
And yet my anger & confusion go unchallenged
However, I will continue to choose to be
FOR ME
 
 
 
INTER-COMPANY PHONE CALL
 
Monsieur Sales Manager, is it really you?
('Who else is it then'?)
Is it really you phoning for the fifth time today?
Is it really your job that dictates the constant phone interaction
Or is there some hidden agenda?
(You can tell me, I can keep a secret)
 
 
Monsieur Sales Manager, is it really you?
With your comical one-liners and dulcet tones
('Where is she then'?)
A ladies' man no doubt but who cares
Baby, you can entice me any which way
(Within office hours of course)
 
 
Monsieur Sales Manager, is it really you?
('Tell her to hurry up')
Don't you think there should be more to life than progressing orders?
Do I sound like a woman who bears up well under incessant pressure?
Be gentle
 
 
Monsieur Sales Manager, is it really you?
('Putting you thru')
Nice Calibra - are you in good shape too?
Don't take this literally
We're phone acquaintances
What do appearances matter?
 
Monsieur Sales Manager
Been nice talking to ya
Phone soon
(Preferably when I'm on me lunchbreak!)
 
 
 
THE LAY ME DOWN BLUES
 
Lay me down & quet my thirst
Lay me down & massage me with sensual oils
Lay me down & let me sleep
 
 
Oh baby, you want me to cook tonight
Oh baby, I jus ain't up to a fight
Oh baby, all I wanna do is turn out the light
And close my eyes
 
You wanna party, go on your own
you wanna party, leave me alone
You wanna party, get outta here
I don't need this
 
I gotta pick up my poor body & get to work
I gotta be alert
(My black face don't fit in no white collar job)
Yet I'm the one brings home the bacon
Oh Lawd, I be so tired
 
Oh doctor, am I very ill?
Oh doctor, take away those funny lookin' pills
Oh doctor, can't you see ME
Won't somebody help, please
 
Oh baby, I'm tired
Lay me down & quiet my thirst
Lay me down & massage me with sensual oils
Lay me down & let me sleep
 
I'm so tired of being sick & tired
Mz Fannie Lou Hamer, I knows how you be feelin'