Paul Cumberbatch | + Follow Poet |
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A Letter To a Friend

Dear Dr. King,

I read of your struggle(s) over 50 years ago, & my heart brakes for how your life was taken prematurely on that day

I am a young black male, living in the year 2020

We have achieved some of your dreams today, all colors black,white,yellow & brown can now eat together at a restaurant, we can enter the same front door at work,& even sit next to each other on a bus,subway,or plane ride

I know that I have never written before, but I have read about the courage you displayed, on your walks through the streets, sermons at many gatherings of our young people seeking comfort,& solace

I don’t know what words you can give me now?

I look to the Book that you talked about, I read from time to time,& in it I see where you often speak about the ideals of Peace, Love, Forgiveness, Temperance, & Long Suffering,beliefs which I long to have, but feel like I fall short all too often

You see, today I feel really disillusioned that the virtues which you spoke of, the dreams you had, & the embodiment which you embraced,are wonderful, but I don’t know if I am able to live up too them?

I reflect on your fellow armor bearer, and soldier at war Brother Malcolm.

In my heart at this moment, I feel his blood rushing through my veins, I feel his words,thoughts,& beliefs running through my mind

Dr. King, when will enough,truly be enough?

We have been down this road before

When you were here, you were willing to reach the mountain-top,& see the “Promised Land”, though you never made it in,like Moses you were taken to see Yeshua

I live present day, in the Promised land, but my thoughts are often of having the courage that you displayed daily then

For the times have changed, some new opportunities have been granted,but the dream of equality still seems a few generations away

My question is should I be willing to offer my life for the Struggle, like you & brother Malcolm did, if the virtues you talked about may never be realized?

Or do I live daily trying to be at peace, when inside my heart burns?


My heart hurts not only for the dreams, aspirations,& goals that are in my mind, which I now realize are unattainable, not because of lack of talent, discipline,or will, but because the Gate-Keepers don’t think I am worthy to have them

Father King, I need guidance, to have hope,to sing those old spirituals, or to even utter your words  “Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty I am Free at Last”

For I don’t truly feel Free

Sincerely,

Concerned Black Male

Copyright © Paul Cumberbatch | Year Posted 2020

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Christopher Flaherty Date: 6/9/2020 6:13:00 PM Great poem Paul Great question An eye for an eye makes the hole world blind You take up arms for a cause you become a terrorist Is this not the definition of the middle or higher ground To write about it and pose questions Login to Reply Paul Cumberbatch Date: 6/9/2020 8:37:00 PM Thank you, I am glad that you like it. Best Regards, Paul

Silent One Date: 5/31/2020 6:38:00 AM Brilliant poetry.. Login to Reply Paul Cumberbatch Date: 6/9/2020 8:37:00 PM Thank you, Best Regards

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 5/30/2020 11:50:00 AM I pray that the last generation to know this injustice first hand is this one. Things are a little better up here in Canada, but racism and police brutality still persist. Powerful penning, painful and beautiful at the same time. Thank you Paul. Bless you. ~Maureen Login to Reply Paul Cumberbatch Date: 6/9/2020 8:40:00 PM I think that it will take a few generations, to achieve true equality