The Color of Our Blood

In my innocence I went out into the world Eager to learn all the lessons I can hold The things I’d learn I’d love to share Alas, people found me to be quite bold. I distinctly felt the tension in the air When I was little and went to a fair It was outside the town where I grew up People stared at us head to foot and kinky hair. I shrugged my shoulders, I did not mind I wanted to play with kids that were kind But their folks did not like a colored child Touch skin to skin with their children, later I’d find. I learned the first lesson about discrimination The hard way, from a small child’s perception I will fight for my right with all my might This I vowed unto myself with all determination. And so from that day on, I pushed for emancipation From the shackles of a closed mind, a liberation How dare you think I'm lower than you are When our blood is the same color red, under examination? We have come a long way indeed, I know For now we can vote, to a master we need not kowtow Freedom from slavery, gained through sweat and blood Our children can now speak without fear to friends or foe. Greater minds have walked these hollowed halls Than what I can aspire to be with my bold balls However Sir, that won’t stop me honestly From continuing to speak my voice, no matter you stall. Now Sir, tell me, what is the reason you cannot grant Before I make another speech, but not a rant Is it not only fair that you declare equal rate For black or white, as long as he deserves it, and not ignorant? A black man's thoughts on the prevailing system where blacks are assigned to positions with predominantly lower rates. 17 March 2015 CONTEST : Writings in a Black's Perspective - 1st Place SPONSOR : Verlena Walker