On last week, children's author, Alice Faye Duncan visited a college class at the University of Memphis to speak about writing books for children. Instead of reading one of her books, she gave each college student a signed copy of her poem, America's First Lady. She hopes to sell this poetic manuscript and biography to a New York Publisher. I thought the poem worthy of appearing here on my blog. Enjoy!
America's First Lady
(by Alice Faye Duncan)
Born in Chicago
The Southside
Euclid Street
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson
Frasier and Marian’s daughter
Craig’s baby sister
Hand raised high in school
Speaking the Queen’s English
A+ on every paper
Sonatas on her piano
Sometimes a lowdown blues
Children teased Michelle
Called her ugly names
Said…Who does she think she is?
Talking all smart and stuff!
Said…Who does she think she is?
Straight A’s up and down her card!
Said…Who does she think she is?
Tall as a tree!
Words can cut like stone
Pride pushes back the tears
Courage makes shoulders square
Michelle defended herself
Said…I don’t think…I KNOW…I’m smart!
Then silence
No rebuttal
Case closed
No hard feelings
Success the best revenge!
Michelle Obama
Tower of light
America’s First Lady!
