Chapin City Blues

Writing is writing whether done for duty, profit, or fun.

From “I Useta Live in the World” by Ntozake Shange 

my oceans were life 
what aters i have here sit stagnant 
circlin ol men’s bodies 
shit & broken lil whiskey bottles 
left to make me bleed 

i usedta live in the world 
now i live in harlem & my universe is six blocks 
a tunnel with a train 
i can ride anywhere 
remaining a stranger 

Ntozake Shange was an American playwright, poet, educator, performer and director who drew heavily from her experiences as a Black female in America. Her work included Natural Disasters and Other Festive Occasions, Whitewash, Liliane, and for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, where you can read the complete poem. 

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Several times in the past, I’ve used the moniker Ennui Prayer. While I still use that name, I decided it’s time that I start a blog with my

One response to “From “I Useta Live in the World” by Ntozake Shange ”

  1. National Poetry Month 2025 – Chapin City Blues Avatar
    National Poetry Month 2025 – Chapin City Blues

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