Chiquitachiamaka Baity Poet I do not know?

My History

When you look at me what do you see
Can you see the land that I descend from, where we were once Kings and Queens.
Can you see my forefather’s journey, across, tear tarnished seas
Can you count the lives that were lost, as they sailed to tyranny? 

When you look at me what do you see
Do you see my families torn apart, Bought and sold into slavery.
Can you see the blood stained legacy? Do you feel the travesty
Can you hear my grandmothers cries, as her children was separated
Can you see her raped, beaten, and chained, can you imagine the degradation?

When you look at me what do you see
Do you see, my grandfathers whipped and, bond, swinging from trees? 
Can you see a race in bondage? Can you feel the cruelty ? 
Can you envision the scars, welts, and wounds; the pure agony.
Do you feel the oppression of a people? The undoubted tragedy  

When you look at me, what do you see
Can you see the ones that came before, that struggled to be free
Can you see the fight for freedom, respect and equality
 Do you understand the sacrifices, their strength and resiliency 

When you look at me, what I want you to see
Is the manifestation of my ancestors’ dreams
See the pride of a heritage which lives within me.

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Earle Brown August 27, 2011 at 10:51 AM Expressive write, sis. Check out my write "On Mulish Eardrum I Pound This Note" keep on writing, let leave a different legacy.

Vince Suzadail Jr. August 23, 2011 at 7:19 PM Well written, Chiquita. We've come a long way as a nation but still have miles to go. Vince

M.I.A . August 23, 2011 at 2:16 AM BRAVO! Well, said. I see all the above and beyond the above! Luv your spirit girlfriend! :)

Terrell Martin August 21, 2011 at 2:13 PM Chiquita, you are ever SO deserving of the simple little poem I wrote in honor of you and your poem (My History). Sincerely, my first reading of it touched a chord inside that wouldn't stop ringing. (I'm white by the way for whatever it's worth). It just goes to prove that our words really DO have meaning and can effect people whom we don't even know - for better or for less. Thank goodness yours (and mine, I hope) is for the better. God bless my poetic friend. I'll be watching:) Terry

Terrell Martin August 20, 2011 at 3:12 PM Chiquita, please see "A Poem for Chiquita" in honor of you and this poem. Cheers, Terry Martin

Terrell Martin August 20, 2011 at 2:03 PM Chiquita, I see one hell of a beautiful poetess who is enlightening people's minds including my own. And by the way, thanks 10 million for your kind thoughts on my "Poetry Paradise" and "Grandmasters of Poetica" with apologies for not mentioning the incomparable Langston Hughs and other superb black poets as well. I'll work on this thanks to you. Sincerely - Terry Martin

Sara Kendrick August 20, 2011 at 12:34 PM Very expressive work about a bad time in history for many people as was the time when anyone had to be in any form of servitude..Life is not always easy..Enjoyed reading your work..Sara

James Peranteau August 19, 2011 at 11:54 PM Back in 2009, (I believe it was), I wrote a write on this very subject. Waaaazooo...the feed-back which I received was incredible! Anywho...what a prize write ! Many souls refrain from doing so, and I am happy that you vaunted on your heritage! Have a blessed weekend dear poet....much love, james

Kingsley Awoh August 19, 2011 at 11:48 AM Can you see the blood stained legacy?.... This is great..friend...

M. Hussain Effendi August 19, 2011 at 8:15 AM First of all, thank you for the wonderful comments on my poem. Yours is simply remarkable, with a magnificent ending

Anthony Barrow August 19, 2011 at 7:08 AM First let me thank you for your kind comment concerning my writing. Second allow me to express the joy from reading all of your great work. May god bless you in all you do......anthony barrow

Judy Ball August 19, 2011 at 3:41 AM What a wonderful write my friend. So filled with pride and emotion. Many people throughout history have dealt with slavery andd oppression and when you are able to come up out of it is such a victory and something to hand down with pride to your children so you don't lose it. But it must be done carefully so they don't grow up feeling hatred. Great job my friend. It's going into my faves. God Bless, JB

Kash Poet August 19, 2011 at 1:48 AM An emotional write...liked it very much.

Poet Destroyer A August 19, 2011 at 1:37 AM wow! Nice way to ask and accept your perception... thanks for sharing,..p.d.

Tony Lane August 18, 2011 at 10:27 AM That's what they want too. Well done. Tony