I Curse So Beautifully, Part Two

[Dedicated to Nikki Giovanni and all the other real poets and heads.]

I've been told that my work would go over better
If it was loaded with less words that were spelled with four letters
In other words, some folk say they'd feel my verses so much
If only I didn't feel the need to fucking curse so much
But answer me one question, and try not to lie to me:
Since when do we live in this rated-PG, politically correct society
Where everything is squeaky-clean, groovy, and cheery?
(If that was so, none of my ex-girls would have inspired the "Jive" series.)
I understand there are such things as tact, timing and class
And certain things are too crass to spray-paint on an overpass
But I ain't saying nothing that wasn't said by Michael Baisden or Terry McMillan
Or on episodes of "The Simpsons" or "Married With Children"
Yeah, I cuss, just like your moms, your grand-pops and all your brothers
Why is it cool for some to do some things but not okay for others?
When Toni Morrison curses, she's "honing her literary craft"
But when I do it, it's just considered crass; why is that?
I have yet to meet the guy who bumps his head and says, "Rats!"
Or the girl who burns herself with a curling iron and shouts, "Drat!"
And when you're heartbroken, you don't say,
"I wish that king or queen wouldn't have did me like this."
It's either "Fuck that bitch!" or "Niggas ain't shit!"
See, everyone wants this "public persona" who walks your dogs
Smiles and waves at the neighbors as you park your cars
But behind closed doors, you hide the dirty version
The sailor-cursing not-quite-ready-for-prime-time version; but that's the real person!
The difference with me is instead of hiding it away
I bring all that rugged real shit into the light of day
All that grinning and "Yassuh, Boss"-ing is rehearsing for the person you would like to be And that's the fakeness that frightens me
That's just the hypocrisy I'm attacking through my poems
You're stuck on packaging, but it's my message you should be packing in your domes And like Lauryn Hill said, "Even after all my logic and my theory,
I add a 'mother fucker' so you ignorant niggas can hear me."
And I'd rather be honest than "polished";
I'd rather be truthful than couth-ful
And instead of trying to give you something you can feel, to be you-approved
I'd rather die giving you something real, and be Drew-approved
I'd rather call an asshole an asshole and be factual
Than be tactful and palatable but sacrifice being actual
'Cause Fertile Ground said, "Be natural"
So I'ma do that without being careful or bashful
And that might make me a "handful" But at the end of the day, at least you can say
I stood for what I stand fo'
And since I probably can't do this piece at Bohemian Caverns
I'll save it for the rawest spots and the seediest taverns
'Cause I'd rather be quoted by the thugs of the city
Than be voted for by any English professor or Pulitzer committee
So cover your ears or try to wash my mouth out with soap
I'll still leave real niggas saying,
"Dat nigga from down South was dope!"
And all you can do with me is deal with me or disapprove of me
BUT I STILL CURSE SO BEAUTIFULLY...
...and you still missed the beauty...