i live in drums

i live in drums
by Clay McRoberts, with thanks to Ntozake Shange

i live in drums
is this where you live?
i live here in drums
i live on yamaha street
my friend lives on ludwig avenue
do you live here in drums?
beats
fall round me like money on other folks
cymbals richen my face
cold as metal during a decmeber night of jazz
hot like a brand new pair of drums sticks
thinkin they waz loaded
i got 5 drums where other guys got arms
and sideways snares for both sides of my heart
i walk round in a bass drum like somebody be walkin on the earth
i live in drums
live in it
wash in it
i cd even smell it
wear beats on my fingers
beats fall so fulla music
ya cd make a rhythm wear yr arm is &
hold yrself
hold yrself in drums