Louise Nelson Poet Didactic

Walking While Black

why do most people develop a sense of  fear
whenever they see young black men near ?
women clutching their purses a little closer to their sides
it's enough to make a young brother want to run and hide
they're just hanging out with their home boys
looking for some comfort and a sense of joy
but the cops seem to have a beef with them
and they're always on their backs
stopping, searching and arresting them 
just because they are walking while black

pants riding low, doo-rags on their heads 
and expensive sneakers on their  feet
 just expressing their individuality
while dressing to the beat of the street
many have jobs, some go to school
while others do sell dope and drugs
but don't think that every young black man you see is probably a thug
have you ever considered, they might need a hug?

hip-hop music, gangster rap, R&B and some soul
whatever gifts God has given them, trying to define their own roles
professional sports have been a saving grace
enabling many young black men to rise up in place
but unemployment, homelessness,
no positive role models and the economic lack
society continues to view them with negativity just because 
they are walking while black

just looking for a sense of validation 
in this so-called opportunistic democratic nation
where is their equality
in America's society?
if people would only comprehend that it's not the color of a man's skin
but the content of his character that dwells within
it's time for "the Man" to get up off  young brothers'  backs
and just give them a fair shake for walking while black

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