Inside Story by Richard Schnap

I am tired of your bland science,

Your causal mediocrity,

Your simple rules.




I prefer the revelations

Of nobodies, the down and out,

Hearts behind walls.




In a place of night, I listened

To a black boy, scars on his back,

Recite rap songs




As finely spoken as Shakespeare.

I heard a soul in chains speak truth

Who could not read




Or write, heard him pull blood from air,

Pure fire from dead broken stone.

I heard the words.




I am tired of your recipes,

Your formulas. The house burns wild.

Wake up. Listen.



















Richard Schnap is a poet, songwriter and collagist living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His poems have most recently appeared locally, nationally and overseas in a variety of print and online publications.