*For Those Who Can’t Find the Words*

Not everyone can afford to
go on a shopping spree of assorted degrees―
Education isn’t always earned— sometimes it’s simply paid for.
Some may not be legibly gifted,
or Do have a say, but just can’t lift it…
Some shout ideals and make passionate appeals,
but no one hears them:
Because they have no voice.
Even I may be among the latter, so this
is for those who have felt what I felt and feel what I felt — and may feel again.
My pain was no stronger or more poignant,
Only theirs may never be heard—
Just because they can’t find the words.

From Art of Mind II: All In
Copyright © 2012 Clyde Aidoo

*Flip the Switch*

When I walked into your illuminating room,
My eyes correlated the Brightness.
It may have been this two-fold Ray,
That caused me to be so blind.
Rendered Dim,
I was unable to
look any further.
The room remained blissful
Still—
The only charge was
Ignorance.
When I dared walk
to the broader side,
I knew I might gain
Some Insight.
Though I was reluctant to see the light,
this was the only way
to shed some on You.
I decided to become your company,
even if risking
overstaying my welcome.

The room is undeniably bright,
for my eyes can only be so wrong,
But as your ray shined
down on others,
I found myself
In the Shade.

This light once as beaming
As the Heavens—
Now flickers like a
Domestic Watt,
After being upon
The cold, cold Shade,
I could now clearly see:
This room—while
Open for Others,
Was Closed Off to Me.

She may have set
The Conditions—
but I would leave on
My Own Terms:
I may not be the
Brightest Bulb,
but I too can shade
My Pitch…
Before I left the room,
I was sure to
Flip the Switch.

From Art of Mind: Philosopoems to the World

Copyright © 2011 Clyde Aidoo