The Lynching of Thomas Avery
Engines roaring through the darkness
Hunting for some unknown prey
'Whoops' and 'hollers' growing less
They've found their prime catch of the day
Engines now returning southward
Rumbling low under night sky
Looking through my window outward
I see they've caught a teenage guy
This poor dear boy, his eyes are shining
Terrified that he's been caught
I hear him now, he's softly whining
Before the group where he's been brought
Look around at all these white men
Sneering faces malevolent
How are they the ruling mob when
Their lives so wicked and misspent
I see no evil, I see no sin
Of which they charge this young man with
I recognise him, he's looks so thin
It's Thomas Avery, my kin and kith
I scream to let young Thomas go
Attempting to dispel the throng
The response I get is just a bellow
Telling me to move along
Jostled, nudged and pushed aside
I do not know the reason why
I stay there with my mouth held wide
As they hoist his body high
The sickness fills my every sense
The tears fall quickly down my face
I will not keep up their pretence
How could this be the human race?
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