The Truth Commands

Yes, I’m a Poet,
  but I refuse to be tormented  
  
I refuse to be a victim,
  with my words made out of stone

I refuse to bleed my heart out,
  on a page of blank simpatico

I refuse to give you weakness,
  knowing strength you have disowned

Yes, I’m a Poet,
 but my sword is sharp and pointed

My shield is scarred and colored
 with the blood of firebrands

My breath won’t plead while shouting,
  every name a future conquest

My pen in hand, a weapon sure,
—its ink the truth commands

(Villanova Pennsylvania: November, 2016)