January 2, 2005

new poem, welcome , 2005!

By Tony Brown

Poem From a Reptile Son

“three things to recall, son,
if you are ever
in a knife fight:

one, a knife fight
that lasts more than thirty seconds
is being fought by two amateurs.

two,
expect
to get cut.

three, you must become
a reptile when you fight.
you get your humanity back by winning,

but never all of it.
some part of you
will grow scales.

you’ll need a rock
in your dreams at night
to warm yourself on.

for the rest of your life
you’ll shed skins but never look
any different,

a little of you can break off
and if you leave it behind
people will think they’ve got you.”

this is what my lean father told me
without ever looking at me as he showed me his scars
and explained how he sharpened his knife.

they say that mammals love
and reptiles cast offspring aside
to fend for themselves.

they know nothing. I still have
the knife my father gave me. I’ve grown
scales in his honor.

I never face anyone
for more than thirty seconds.
no one’s got any of me that matters.

About Tony Brown

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A poet with a history in slam, lots of publications; my personal poetry and a little bit of daily life and opinions. Read the page called "About..." for the details. View all posts by Tony Brown
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