Those Were the Days


Gone are the days
when every man and woman was royalty
Spirited away
when the slave catchers came
Fled are the nights
when every child dreamed of 
being called a prophetess or priest
Washed away
when the long ships crashed upon the reef
The corrupt council and judges
hid in the rainforest that day
When they sold us out to be slaves
It seems those days ain’t changed since;
Judas faces put on cloth by silkscreen print,
splashed on canvas by painter’s ink
And I wonder ... 
what would my ancestors think?
Asking myself why ... 
this scattered people possess no common aim or purpose
Bemoan, I cry ... 
seeing the children wander idly
And I ponder ... 
what do they dream to be?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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

De Beaulieu Avatar
August 9, 2017 at 1:53 PM
yes what do children dream to be.That is the question. have a nice day my friend.
Medders Tobechi Avatar
August 5, 2017 at 1:16 AM
Very deep Freddie. I am fleeing everything you say, esp. children, wandering idly. I really like the "scattered people line too. Great write. A fave.
Callus Avatar
July 23, 2017 at 7:29 AM
A different age and time, different circumstances, but the corrupt have always been there lurking behind the scenes. The young need attention and 'nourishment', otherwise it's so easy for their dreams to fade into oblivion. Regards // paul
May Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 6:22 PM
I hope they dream of being great Freddie, and that they never stop dreaming
One Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 4:37 PM
Well written my friend, some days never come back as traditions become lost..
Kiser Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 1:46 PM
Great imagery; love this line: "Judas faces put on cloth by silkscreen print, splashed on canvas by painter’s ink And I wonder ... what would my ancestors think?".
Lamoureux Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 9:48 AM
I hope they dream meaningful dreams and that their dreams become reality. A tremendous piece Freddie.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace