Dilemma

This poem and introduction was written in collaboration with a friend who wishes to stay anonymous. So, you won’t find her name in the credits. The introduction is her story while the poem is light and easy. In fact most of the words and sentences are just picked out from the original lyrics. They’ve just been sequenced properly to form a better poetic narrative, in case you’ve not watched the video/don’t care to read the original lyrics. She’s gonna take it from here now. I’ve just added a fee finishing touches. Hip-hop style poetry/ the below introduction ain’t my preferred style of writing. Also, those aren’t tantalizing innuendos in the last verse; they were already part of the original song! Open mind, people; open mind please!

Introduction by XYZ: When I shifted to my first residence, this grumpy old man created a lot of problems with my packers and movers. I assured him I would be very careful and monitor everything personally. Yet….Anyways, I always attempted to smile at him thereafter, but never got an iota of emotion, just an expressionless blank stare always. Eventually, I gave up and would walk past him throwing in a whole lot of attitude myself! I mind my own business and don’t notice people around. But, there’s this frail old lady I’d see in the elevator at times. And I’d go out of my way to give her my warmest smile. Maybe, throw in an additional ‘how are you?’ too.

And then, I had to move again….a nearby location. And as I was busy with shifting residences, I noticed this same grumpy man was my neighbour! What are the odds, eh? I ignored him throughout and did a whole lot of work alone for many days. But then I seen his wife come out. Guess who? That sweet old lady! Aah, I thought. Only something this sweet could balance the rottenness! After our usual pleasantries, she tells me he’s been singing my praises the past few days, telling everyone not to trouble me, and that I’m extremely hard-working! So, I attempted smiling at him and he still never moves his facial muscles. Maybe, they’re just paralyzed! But I know he’s smiling. You just have to imagine it! Because, he’s been so sweet to me since that day. Won’t even allow the gas cylinder or grocery deliver guys to ring my bell until they pass his security assessments. It’s not out of curiosity; he’s being protective. Keeps advising me how I should stay away from this one and that one and calls all of the people around ‘jerks’ etc., lol. Tells me, he knows how to tackle them and if I need help with that, he will defend me in all ways. Super-protective!

Oh yes, this time around, not a word when I shifted! No problems, even with him right next door with his door and gaze wide open and attentive! And his wife has made me her daughter and does the kindest things too. She calls me ‘bacchu’, meaning ‘child’. Sometimes, with some people, you just have to visualize the smile! Why this intro for a completely different song! Well, it’s about shifting and moving, so it made sense for me to narrate a personal tale!

Dilemma – Poem{inspired by this 2002 hit song}

So this new chick who moved right opposite me
And I can see it in her eyes; she's got the hots for me
But the thing is that this chick is married
Yet still, her furniture and bags, I carried
After I laid the boxes down, I seen her man
I ain't no home-breaker, so I ain't got no plan
But there's something about this chick
I can't get her out of my mind this quick

But I ain't gonna fight over no dame
I don't ever play such horrible games
I just stand here and maintain my position
Whether or not she wants to stay is her decision
It ain't easy to back up and leave him
It's okay; I understand the deal
So tell me girl; what's it gonna be?
She said, "you don't know what you mean to me."

Cause no matter what I do
All I think about is you
I got special ways to thank ya
But for the moment, I'll withdraw
You can always count on my love forever
You know with me you'll have your way, whatever
Cause I like a lot more than your style and demeanor
Much of those things I think are cool and gangsta

Nelly, I love you; and I need you
Out of that feeling, I never really grew
Nelly, I love you; and I need you
So its painful living this way through
But no matter what you do
All I think about is you
Even when you rip me too
I'm still crazy over you
You're like a bad tattoo
That an untrained artist drew
But nothing will erase
Just like my craze, it stays

East Coast, I know you're shaking right
West Coast, I know now you want a bite
Down South, I know you're bouncing tight
Midwest, join in; it's impolite
Cause no matter what I do
All I think about is you
You can always count on my love forever
You know with me you'll have your way, whatever

- RUELHA
www.ruelha.com
© Copyright Protected. All Rights Reserved
Image source and credit: www.hypebeast.com
Sing this poem in the same tune as the original song, if possible. It's more fun that way, we promise.
That's how we wrote it at least! Writing while singing!

Disclaimer: This poem is purely literary. Please read it with an open mind and out of respect for the written word. To me, writing is my life. There is nothing I love more. I have a very creative imagination. Most of my poems do not hint at my life/situation. Kindly refrain from drawing such parallels. Much of what I write is purely fictional. Situations and examples may be hypothetical. I have always written about topics I am passionate about – Christianity, makeup, melancholic poetry, food, romance, women’s issues, soulful music, narratives, etc. Given the circumstances, my gender, situation, geography, etc., I feel the need to put up a disclaimer every time I write a romantic/melancholic/intense piece! Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, please don’t interpret this poem in an unintended way. That is just my humble request. Please note, some of my writings may contain material unsuitable for children. And please excuse typos and minor errors; I don’t really have the time to re-read or edit.

Lyrics of Dilemma by Nelly and Kelly Rowland

I love you and I need you
Nelly, I love you, I do
Need you
No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I'm with my boo
Boy, you know I'm crazy over you (check it)
No matter what I do (check it, check it, check it)
All I think about is you (check it, check it, check it)
Even when I'm with my boo (check it, check it, check it)
You know I'm crazy over you (check it, check it, check it) (uh, uh, uh, uh)

I met this chick and she just moved right up the block from me and uh
She got the hots for me, the finest thing I need to see
But oh, no, no, she got a man and a son though oh
But that's okay 'cause I
Wait for my cue and just listen, play my position like a shortstop
Pick up everything mami hittin'
And in no time (no time)
I plan to make this one here mine
And that's for sure 'cause I
I never been the type to, break up a happy home but uh
There's something bout baby girl I just can't leave alone
So tell me ma what's it gonna be? She said
You don't know what you mean to me (come on)

No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I'm with my boo
Boy, you know I'm crazy over you
No matter what I do (check it)
All I think about is you (check it, check it, check it)
Even when I'm with my boo (check it, check it, check it)
You know I'm crazy over you (check it, check it, check it) (uh, uh, uh, uh)

I see a lot and you look and I never say a word
I know how niggas start actin trippin' out here about they girls
And there's no way, Nelly gon' fight over no dame (I ain't fighting' over no dame)
As you can see, but I
I like your steez, your style, your whole demeanor
The way you come through and holla and swoop me in his two-seater
Now that's gangsta
And I got special ways to thank ya
Don't you forget it but uh
It ain't that easy for you to pack and leave him but uh
You and that guy got ties for different reasons
I respect that and right before I turn to leave, she said
You don't know what you mean to me (come on)

No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I'm with my boo (yeah)
Boy, you know I'm crazy over you (put your hands up)
No matter what I do (put your hands up)
All I think about is you (yeah)
Even when I'm with my boo
You know I'm crazy over you
Sing it for me, K!
And I love you (word)
And I (yeah) need you (uh)
Nelly I love you (uh)
I do (come on girl)
And it's more than you'll ever know
Boy, it's for sure
You can always count on my love (uh)
Forever more, yeah, yeah
East coast, I know you shakin' right (uh huh)
Down South, I know you bouncin' right (ay hey)
West coast, I know you walkin' right, 'cause (uh, uh, uh, uh)
You don't know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin' right)

No matter what I do (yeah)
All I think about is you (uh uh)
Even when I'm with my boo
Boy, you know I'm crazy over you (uh, uh, uh, yeah)
No matter what I do (yeah)
All I think about is you (check it)
Even when I'm with my boo (check it, check it, check it)
You know I'm crazy over you (check it, check it, check it)
East coast, I know you shakin' right (uh-uh)
Down South, I know you bouncin' right (uh-uh)
West coast, I know you walkin' right
You don't know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin' right)
East coast, you still shakin' right (uh-uh)
Down South, I see you bouncin' right (ay hey)
West coast, I know you walkin' right, 'cause
You don't know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin' right)

No matter what I do (woo!)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I'm with my boo
Boy, you know I'm crazy over you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I'm with my boo (check it)
You know I'm crazy over you (yeah yeah)
East coast, I know you shakin' right (what)
Down South, I know you bouncin' right (dirty, dirty)
West coast, I know you walkin' right (she does so)
You don't know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin' right) 8uh)
East coast, you still shakin' right (yeah)
Down South, I see you bouncin' right (dirty, dirty)
West coast, I know you walkin' right, 'cause
You don't know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin' right)