WHAT DOES A BLACK VOICE SAY? August 4, 2003

How can I help you?
Does that come in any other size?
Come sit by Momma
What time shall I pick you up?

What does a black voice say?

I'll take two
Hold the mayo
Please and thank you
Have you seen this movie?
Someone's at the door

What does a black voice say?

Don't fight with your sister
Do you deliver?
What time is it?
Have you seen my keys?
I read that book
Excuse me please

What does a black voice say?

Two olives please
Can you fit me in?
Do you take checks?
I'll pick you up at ten.
Get in here now!
I'm sorry to hear that
What other colors does that come in?

What does a black voice say?

Would you mind holding this for me?
Stand up straight
Call me next week
Whose turn is it?
Dinner's on the stove

Talked to an editor once
Asked her why there are no black faces in her zine

Don't we mop our floors
Make snacks for our children
Take vacations
Mow the lawn
Drink too much at weddings?

Well I don't see anybody that looks like me doing those things

Let's see . . .
I buy shampoo
Go to parties
Eat, drink and smoke like everybody else
Pay my taxes on time

You want my bucks but you don't want to see my face

Is my face so different?

I use vending machines
I talk on a cell phone
I have a web site
I pay my bills
I get wet in the rain
I burn in the sun
I like birthday presents
and I've been to Disneyland

What about my voice?

What does a black voice say?

I have a black voice.
Is anybody listening?

I'll tell you what a black voice says

TAXI!

Strella Jasper

Denver, CO  80205
mcelderri@earthlink.net