How you go? I go by Sole. That’s S-O-L-E like the shoes on ya feet. Now repeat after me: “I am worthy of a peaceful and prosperous life. I deserve to be free.”

Man, fuck your worth, I deserve peace! I’m the one out here in these streets. I’m the one sacrificing my dreams. I’m the one neglected, forced to feel defeat over and over and over, on repeat. I’m the one that had to help you clean them dirty ass sheets. I’m the one who had to force you to eat. I’m the one who never got to speak, and I’m the one who did all that shit for free… and I kept it discrete.
Cuz your pain wasn’t for the whole world to see. So I fabricated a world where you didn’t have to flee. Gave you a space to express your creativity. Gave your lonely ass a sense of connectivity, even while dealing with all your undeserved egocentricity. Dug through all the bullshit and gave you your authenticity. Made sure not one soul, not even your mama, would notice your declivity. I joined the army to fight the tears while you ran and cried to your mommy. In this circus of a world, I became the ring leader, while you settled for being just a carny. I read every book and learned from every pastor, preacher, and swami, while you cursed the mere idea of Bani. I learned to be silent every time we’d disagree and dealt with every plea of “Lord, please just take me.” You destroyed your home and I rummaged through all the debris searching for the key to keeping you happy. I cut off so many parts of myself I might as well be an amputee. I kept calm and collected while you were begging for attention, screaming like a banshee. I waded and swam, nearly drowned in your emotional tsunami. I took every toll and paid every price, with no indemnity. Well now all that I do costs, now there’s a fee. Cuz just like you, I deserve to be free. Now, you have no choice but to respect me.