Are We Such a People

are we such a people who has lost vision of that important historical dream
to stand equal on even ground using intellect and talent to seize all opportunities

are we such a people quick to scream racism without even examining oneself
discrimination is prevalent within our fold, the lighter shade of brown is 
considered top shelf

are we such a people simply voting on the color of skin 
examine his character and stance on issues only, then he should be voted in

are we such a people robbed of our traditions and ancestral heritage
the family is no longer important, too many broken homes, the non-existent 
marriages 

are we such a people of vain and shallow character
accumulating material things so people would stop and stare at us

are we such a people so far removed from the historical revolutionary struggle
have we forgotten the humiliation of the cotton fields, now relying on the street 
corner hustle

are we such a people lacking integrity, courage, decency and communal trust 
within 
we would rather live with murders and drug dealers, instead of seeing justice by 
turning them in

are we such a people blinded by the magnitudes of money and instant fame
how do we support a man who molested a child and recorded it while playing 
water games

are we such a people lacking moral fiber, responsibility and creativity 
glorifying the streets by preaching degrading doctrine through the music industry

are we such a people living by the code, "divided we fall but united we will stand"
only to fight amongst ourselves and blame the ills that plagues our community 
on the plight of the white man

are we such a people…are we people of such strong will, intelligence and 
remarkable resilience
Then stand strong together and show accountability for our community and 
reflect the African American brilliance
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Shango Avatar
May 29, 2009 at 6:57 AM
Unfortunately my friend, wrongs were done along certain path ... reversing the path is ugly, but only the exact path reversed can restore what was lost ... the difference in the restoration is that it cannot be retaliation ... but recovery through love and forgiveness ... the brotherhood of man is all of us ... and if not we repeat yesterday's error again. One love.
Heck Avatar
November 30, 2008 at 8:17 AM
Des Juan - Congratulations on your poem making Round One of the PSoup poetry contest! Wishing you all the best in the finals and have a Happy Holiday season. Peace always, John
Jordan Avatar
November 29, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Congrats on your poetry making it through to the next round – Great Job & God Bless
Brown Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 8:14 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round. Good luck in the finals. Love, Carol
Winter Avatar
November 11, 2008 at 8:14 AM
Congrats on making it through to the first round! Good luck in the finals! Love, Shar
Strand Avatar
June 15, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Like the kyrielle touches in this one Des.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments on mu postings
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