Stones
by Toni Morrison

I don’t need no man
telling me I ain’t one.
My trigger finger strong
as his on a shot gun.
Buttercake and roses smooth
stones in my bed.
Handmade quilts cover
stones in my bed.
I don’t need no man
telling me I ain’t one.
My backbone ain’t like his
but least I got one.
High-heeled slippers break
stones in my bed.
Games played at night trick
stones in my bed.
Stones in my bed.
Stones.
I don’t need no man
telling me.