when I was four years old they tried to test my I.Q. they…
““when I was four years old they tried to test my I.Q. they showed me a picture of 3 oranges and a pear they said, which one is different? it does not belong they taught me different is wrong but when I was 13 years old I woke up one morning thighs covered in blood like a war like a warning that I live in a breakable takeable body an ever-increasingly valuable body that a woman had come in the night to replace me deface me see, my body is borrowed yeah, I got it on loan for the time in between my mom and some maggots I don't need anyone to hold me I can hold my own I got highways for stretchmarks see where I've grown I sing sometimes like my life is at stake 'cause you're only as loud as the noises you make I'm learning to laugh as hard as I can listen 'cause silence is violence in women and poor people if more people were screaming then I could relax but a good brain ain't diddley if you don't have the facts we live in a breakable takeable world an ever available possible world and we can make music like we can make do genius is in a back beat backseat to nothing if you're dancing especially something stupid like I.Q. for every lie I unlearn I learn something new I sing sometimes for the war that I fight 'cause every tool is a weapon - if you hold it right.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker reflects on early conditioning, bodily autonomy, and the power of voice against oppression, urging self‑reliance and awareness of systemic violence.
In simple terms: Early lessons shape us; we must reclaim our bodies and voices.
Key Takeaway
Own your narrative and use your voice.
Themes
identity
autonomy
resilience
social justice
self‑expression
Mood
defiant
reflective
empowering
Type
poetic
political
personal
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- activism
- mental health
- creative expression
Key Concepts
intersectionality
embodiment
critical consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reclaim agency over your body?
- What does silence do to marginalized voices?
A Different Perspective
Self‑reliance can be challenged by systemic oppression and internalized doubt.