Bankruptcy (A Conceit) by Buddah Desmond

I’m not to be relinquished to the small corners 

and forgotten cities of the world

I’m an international, universal phenomenon that 

knows no geographic bounds

I’m not to be limited to back rooms, alleys, and 

late night showings

I’m a mystical chameleon whose magic works 

any time, any place, any day, and on any channel

I’m not just a cameo, a bit part or an extra

I’m centerstage, behind the scenes—I’m cast 

and crew

Baby, I’m a star!

I may not be for everyone

But I matter

A conceited display this may be deemed

But I know its true meaning

For a world that doesn’t quite know what to do with me

Or doesn’t quite appreciate the density of my 

experiences, dexterity of my abilities, my delicious 

style, my dynamic spirit, and my discerning nature

I know where I stand

I know what I contribute

I know that I’m so much more than what you 

acknowledge and what you fail to see

I am more!

You ain’t hip to my currency

You can’t clear my checks

Your approval is irrelevant

Cause my value breaks all the banks!

Author Bio: Buddah Desmond (aka BDez) is a writer / poet, artist, singer, entrepreneur, and health and wellness coach / advocate. His writing highlights the gritty side of life, while offering messages of hope, love, healing, and resilience. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including MOOV, MUSED, MelaNation, LitMag 2020, No Line Left Behind, and sana, sana (vol. 1). He’s the author of three poetry projects, Prevail: Poems on Love, Life, and Politics (2012), Exotic Shifter (2014), and From The Inside Out: A Poetry Collection (2020).

Instagram: @buddahdesmond

Website: http://buddahdesmond.com