Contemporary African American Poetry by Ama Maynu

Friend of a Friend

Why do

we do

what we do?

Really, people,

why do we do

what we do?

Had I planned

to systematically

defame her name?

And if so

what would be

my gain?

“Backbiting quencheth

the light of the heart,

and extinguisheth

the life of the soul.”

So the Prophet B. says

and He should know

since He makes all the laws.

Today I would try

my hand

at an apology.

I meant no harm

in fact I don’t even know

where it all came from.

When I examined my motives

I was awed struck

by the lack of a theme

‘cause I couldn’t have you

even if I wanted to.

I guess, my friend, it’s all these laws

getting in the way

of my chance

at happiness.

So I am sorry

I placed myself in sh—

I have no reason

to be all up in.

I’m sorry, too, for each negative word

spoken under the guise of truth.

For even the Son of the Prophet knows

“Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed,

nor can everything that he can disclose

be regarded as timely,

nor can every timely utterance

be considered as suited to the capacity

of those who hear it.”—Abdu’l-Bahá

My promise now--and forever--to you,

I will always seek to be true

To His laws.

At most, this is a warning,

And at the least, a gesture

For us to avoid

Any and all such

"Future entanglements".