Ain'T Throwin Myself Off No Bridges

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Aint Throwin my'self off no bridges
God made the Ocean for the fish

And at the risk of soundin' religious
Suicide wont be gettin' his wish

Sister Mercer, sister Bailey,
Sing me through this

 'Nough Blues in my suitcase
To make the Titanic sink
'Nough bills in my briefcase
To make a Nun drink
Family and friends say I'm on the brink

 
Therapist diagnosed me with RDSD
Said, Leave two hundred dollars at the desk
Two of these blue pills will alleviate your stress

 
I told her I beg to disagree
"No, I don't have RDSD."

  What I do have is MMSJB
(Missing Me Some James Brown)
One CD and I’ll be gettin’ down

Not giving you or your receptionist a dime.
Respectfully lady, are you out of your mind?

 
...An hour of Loretta Lynn
Jus' let the record spin and spin
Again and again

The Coal Miner's daughter
Miss Joplin, Lena, Ethel Waters

 
Miss Ella leading the choir
Miss Leontyne taking us higher

 
Let me wade in the Muddy waters
Just let me wade in that muddy water

 
She said, We can try Abilify
Zoloft or Lexapro
Said, "Oh miss Therapist, I gotta go."

 
She said, "If Cymbalte doesn't work
Make an appointment and come back

...Two-hundred more and I'll put you on Prozac."

 
   And don't look for me at Church on Sunday
Will be playin' these Blues straight thru Monday

Saint Armstrong Church of Divine Jazz
Rev Benny Goodman presiding
Therapist still lookin' for me
But I'm under the pews hiding

 
Thank You Reverend Ellington
Deacon Gillespie
All these people tryna stress me.

Therapist said if I don't take her pills
She'll send the Coppers to arrest me

   Nat King Cole Baptize my soul
 
   
And don't try to size me up for no Coffin
I only like flowers I can smell

"No, no, I wont take Desyrel."

 
Can't think about no dying
Until I hear Sweet Aretha sing

Until then,  I'll be doing this rhyming thing

 

Until I've given all that I can give
Until then
 I'll live 

and live

 and live

 

             	Michael Ellis

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Alexis Y.

Date: 4/12/2021 10:00:00 PM

Hi Michael, You have composed a well-written write. Your poem is so moving and powerful; it could be a lifeline for those who have “ contemplated “ a bridge. Poetry like this is moving and life-changing. Your knowledge of great singers of different genres was impressive. Excellent job! I was impressed by your song! Have a wonderful evening:-) Alexis