Book cover: My One Good Nerve by Ruby Dee
I. I. I say I am. I say I am somebody.
Somebody because—because you—you make me—
Somebody,
Because—because you are part of
Because you—you share the—the Somebodiness
of me.
When you laugh, you make my lips a part of laughter.
When you cry, tension pulls me from inside.
When you are hungry, my food turns to poison, makes
me burst
Bony fingers clutch my tongue when I—when I
know your thirst
Because you are part of—because you—you share the
The Somebodiness of me.
When I see your precious blood out of place, your
bones exposed in death—
My blood chills and stops as I try to—try to-—
give you breath.
I must keep you from all—all fear and danger—
I must woo your peace of mind—
Help you—help you find joy—
Help you—help you find release
Because you are part of—because you—you share the
the Somebodiness of me.
I cannot own that which you cannot also possess.
Your crime is mine, and from now on I’ll confess
Because you are part of—because you share the
the Somebodiness of me.
You—you—you are at the other end of the steel
spring of hate,
So I cannot hate.
When you know my love—my love will warm you—
Cleansing, deep
So, let me—let me take your hand. Let me touch
your fingers,
Feel your face. Know your heartbeat and all—all your
doubts erase
Because you are part of—because you—you share the
the Somebodiness of me.
“I Am Somebody,” by Ruby Dee. Published in My One Good Nerve, (Wiley & Sons,1998).
Reprinted by permission of the author. All rights reserved.
You can find out a lot more about Ruby Dee and all her books, plays and films on her website, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee: The Official Site.
“I am Somebody” by Ruby Dee, is not just a poem whose rhythms and message resonate with me, the title reminds me of how Ms. Dee makes me feel. I met her and her husband, Ossie Davis, when I was a college student and member of a poetry group. From the moment they heard my poetry they included me…well my poetry… in their radio program, one of their books and even one of their TV specials. Ruby Dee wrote a wonderful introduction to my book THE SUN IS ON…which you can still read today. But even more impressive, for me, is how warmly she embraces everyone she meets. She never just shakes your hand, she gives you love…spirit to spirit. She is somebody…beautiful, loving and oh so talented.