Richard Evans Poet Free verse

Common Threads

whether bound and dragged 
behind a pick-up 
‘til limbs slowly dismember
or shackled hand and foot 
then tossed unsecured 
into the back of a rolling 
makeshift coffin

whether judge, jury or executioner 
all don the same hat 
and fancy themselves a God
and your only crime was to exist 
in pigmentation unlike their own

let us not forget our tears
our laughter, our blood 
our date with mortality 
these common threads 
that bind us

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

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

Zyrool Gifford May 9, 2024 at 5:13 AM Beautifully executed, Ricky. The words whether judge, jury or executioner says it all for me. Humans sadly are like that.. Richard Evans June 22, 2024 at 4:44 PM Zyroot I recently self-published my first book of poetry over at Amazon.com. All the best............peace! Richard Evans May 9, 2024 at 9:01 PM This poem was written during a moment of frustration with the world at large. Thanks for the input............peace!

Andrew John May 9, 2024 at 3:47 AM A lot of thought here. I have since reading this red several of your other poems. I do admire you as a poet. Richard Evans May 9, 2024 at 9:00 PM Thank you so much my friend. Be safe, be blessed..............peace!

Valerie Staton January 6, 2019 at 9:12 AM Enjoyed reading this piece. It is horrible to be mistreated based on pigmentation. I myself love all of God's creations. How can any of His creations be unacceptable, the God I serve does not make mistakes. Richard Evans January 19, 2019 at 2:25 PM I'm with ya' Val. To sit in judgement is the beginning of all forms of oppression.

John Sensele June 25, 2018 at 3:19 AM Thanks, Richard, for pulling together our common human threads in this poetic nugget. No matter who we are, our blood remains red. John, Zambia Richard Evans June 25, 2018 at 6:52 AM Thanks John. Never imagined writing a poem like this. I hope I can write more.

Charlie Smith June 11, 2018 at 11:20 AM There is so much more commonality than difference between us all, the issue is the indifference in some hearts. Well done Richard... Richard Evans June 12, 2018 at 9:53 PM Well said Charlie. So, so true. Thanks for the input and wisdom.............peace!

Eileen Manassian June 5, 2018 at 4:05 AM Powerful piece! Yes...people often play the role of God...but He loves all his children regardless of color or race. Something we chose to turn a blind eye to. Great write, and thanks for your visit to my poem. Richard Evans June 6, 2018 at 4:21 AM Eileen this poem was a challenge as I don't write about things outside of my personal life very often. Thanks for stopping by..............peace!

Joseph P. DiMino June 2, 2018 at 1:58 PM Magnificent poem! Truth be told, though few realize it, we are one life within the creator--separated only by consciousness. As the veils fall we are reunited, introduced to our immortality and omnipotence. The best of poetry reflects this evasive truth. It is here in your fine poem. Richard Evans June 2, 2018 at 2:23 PM Thanks Joe. Every now and then art does imitate life. Thanks again.........peace!

Mystic Rose Rose June 1, 2018 at 3:25 PM these common threads that bind us, have no color and no pigment, just cotton ligaments and ties. I enjoyed your poem, Nice read Richard Richard Evans June 2, 2018 at 9:51 AM Thanks for the kind words lady.

Andrea Dietrich May 26, 2018 at 1:49 AM wow, that is awesome. One of the best I read tonight. Richard Evans May 30, 2018 at 7:49 PM Thanks Andrea. I hope I can write more socially conscience poems. Thanks again............peace!

Leo Larry Amadore May 17, 2018 at 11:08 PM I enjoyed reading and hearing your poem, Richard. In today's political climate and with the upsetting and all too frequent hate crimes and racially discriminatory violence that are occurring, we definitely need to hear and to heed your plea that we remember the threads that bind us. Richard Evans May 24, 2018 at 11:25 PM Thanks Leo. A challenge by my only sibling to write outside of myself led to this poem. Thanks again.........peace!

Susan Ashley May 17, 2018 at 8:01 PM Wow! Such spectacular social commentary, Richard. Your poetic pen spills powerful, poignant and insightful ink. I remember the heinous hate crime committed against James Byrd, that you so eloquently allude to in your first line. Your poetic lines of racial injustice bring us to a racially unifying conclusion of 'common threads' - which you express so beautifully. A magnificent write! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Susan Ashley May 25, 2018 at 9:31 PM Agreed! Richard Evans May 24, 2018 at 11:29 PM Susan I would place the James Byrd Jr. incident right alongside Emmitt Till's. A galvanizing moment that should never be forgotten. Thanks for the kind words and support.