"playing the Dozens" Ode To An Oral Tradition
A tradition rooted in the pain of African chains,
On the auction block, where slaves experienced the insane.
Separated...the strong from the weak...the young from the old,
So that by "The Dozen" these cheap laborers could be sold.
Amongst slaves, this distinction was viewed as a "low blow,"
But was the only label that "The Dozen" would ever know.
Thus began this particular tradition of verbal jarring,
Where two individuals engaged in true verbal sparring.
However, in time there came to be a distinct transition,
That defined the evolution of this oral tradition.
Soon, this custom was used to verbally defuse altercations.
The tone, of the insults thrown, had a few alterations.
Now, a confrontation of wits that could test your ability;
An exhibition of emotional strength and verbal agility.
Matching creativity and quickness, became the name of the game,
As trading insults became a fun way to increase ones fame.
Like a boxer, the aim is to deliver a knockout punch,
Target their egos, and deliver multiple jabs, by the bunch.
Like in chess, you must think ahead at least two or three moves.
Be ready, just in case your opponent gets in a groove.
You should always be ready to come with a counter attack.
So, you should have a few quick witted lines piled in a stack.
Be original and clever whenever your words are drafted,
Because, for your opponent, these words must be crafted.
"Playing The Dozens" without an audience would not look right,
Like launching fireworks, in the noon daylight.
So, it has to be the greatest thing that they've ever heard,
Painting a picture of your opponent, using nothing but words.
The response of the audience decides who wins,
So my foes and my friends let us let the fun begin!
Please don't be thrown off by the racial implications.
As a new generation, we can create a new innovation!
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