When the rent is past due and we're struggling for extra money 

I have poetry. 

When I'm sitting in the dark with lit candles but the mood isn't lovely

I have poetry. 

When I'm being bullied because of my weight and I contemplate suicide

I have poetry. 

When I remember the time where it was just you and I 

I have poetry. 

When my pound of hope is diluted to just an ounce because my soul is getting darker

I have poetry. 

When the sweat drips and but my heart says "keep pushing harder!"

I have poetry.

When the world seems to be crushing around me

I have poetry. 

When I finally said "I'm glad that it found me"

I had poetry. 

- Tariq Johnson