These names we were given
were given in blood, written
across our backs, burned into our flesh,
shoved like gags into our mouths.
These names we were given
are machetes in the neck,
guns against the head, hands
raised to strike but never to stroke.
These names we were given
ain't gonna disintegrate, ain't gonna
rot, ain't gonna die like a language
or disappear in the morning like a dream.
These names we were given
were given by the hunters.
These names we were given
ain't gonna be honest.
