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Poems by Eric D. Miller

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Everything that looks good may not be so good.

Just because it looks good doesn’t mean that it is good.

Just because it shines doesn’t mean it’s gold.

He looks rich, but he’s homeless. She looks nice, but she’s a demon. Don’t be too quick to judge.

You’ll be walking around today and be gone tomorrow.

Don’t be worrying about your problem because of the way it looks.

Look deep in yourself.

Eric D. Miller

My Mama always gave me what I wanted— ten thousand people watching. There was no responsibility.

Sometimes I acted good and sometimes I acted the fool— ten thousand people watching. And then again, there was no responsibility.

I went to school, always trying to be cool— ten thousand people watching. And still yet, there was no responsibility.

Now, Lord, I’m in the streets— ten thousand people watching. Don’t know which way to turn— where are you at now, Mama? Still with no responsibility?

So…I tell myself, Self, open your eyes! The streets taught you better than Mama… responsibility.

If I fuck up with my friends— being disrespectful—they’ll kick my ass with ten thousand people watching. Responsibility.

If I talk on the phone and don’t pay the bill, they cut the phone off— ten thousand people watching. Responsibility.

Don’t pay your rent—they put you out. And you know—ten thousand people will be watching. Responsibility.

So now, Mama, I learned. Responsibility is the proper way—no sugar-coating. I live my life in stages. Ten thousand people watching.

Responsibility, love, and respect. Ten thousand people watching. I live my life in stages.

Eric D. Miller