Juneteenth Journey
That day when legal slavery ended
A brief moment when justice seemed palpable
marked only the first chapter of caped cross burners
and rageful lynch mobs
marked only the beginning of white terror
against black dignity
Equal justice under law
That day when the sky opened
A brief glimmer when freedom seemed possible
stained only by the blood of generations oppressed
bruised only by the brutality of the state
against these people of color
Equal justice under law
That day when a people were proclaimed
A brief interlude when equality seemed attainable
marred only by marginalization and segregation
scarred only by white supremacy and white dominance
against these struggling people
Equal justice under law
Someday when a people get their due
An arcing rainbow when liberation is realizable
helped only by abandonment of white privilege
aided only by respect and compassion
for these people
Equal justice under law
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