Chains Set Us Free
Listen you poor, puny, proud black child
Standing on street corners and living in poverty.
Listen you educated, sophisticated woman and man
Seeking prosperity in this American society.
Don’t you know: Chains set us free?
Listen to this black sister’s voice
People of color everywhere.
It’s time you realized, our release from oppression
Came only through the power of prayer.
From Africa our strong-willed ancestors
Brought rhythm, song and dance.
Such gifts lifted wounded spirits
And despite heavy burdens, they sought to advance.
In bondage slaves cried out to God
Just like the Israelites did in Egypt long ago.
The heavier the chains, the more fervent the prayers
Till finally God commanded, “Let My people go!”
Don’t you know: Chains set us free?
Slave ships delivered chained bodies
Of a people who were born free
Growing from belief in native religions
to belief in Jesus
They obeyed the LORD who urged,
“Come unto me.”
“Repent black child, come back to me,”
Is Jesus, the Savior’s cry,
“I am the Lord and I change not,
On me you can still rely.
“Call to me and I will answer you,
And set you free once more.
Trust me, wait patiently, and remember,
From bondage to freedom, I, Alone, Am the Door.”
You must never forget black child: Chains set us free.
Copyright © Gloria Shell Mitchell | Year Posted 2020
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment