With Gentlemen Ease
In the unforgiving August heat
of a hot Alabama noonday
They sit in secluded shade,
resting in high-back, woven bamboo chairs
on a mahogany carved veranda
Their bodies face outward to the vast white fields,
watching the black raisins move under the sun
Rising then bending,
hard labor unending
Bowing obsequiously to the crop lord
Cotton is king in Dixieland,
but the ***** spirituals being sung is more regal
Perhaps some among them
had come from royal lineage in their once native land
This fleeting thought occurs
to one of the finely tailored Southern guests
Upon their Alexandrian laurels they rest
with gentlemen ease
When suddenly a young, porcelain-skinned belle appears,
bearing a pitcher of fresh, sweet lemonade
A waft of sarsaparilla stimulates their nostrils,
as delicate china glass touches parched lips
Cool liquid relief from the heat
comforts all those who sit with gentlemen ease
Whilst the slaves sweat profusely,
river beads of perspiration saturate their bodies
And those cultured gentlemen at ease
offer no rest for the heavy burdened weary
In tribute to the great black poet, Sterling Allen Brown (1900 - 1989.)
This poem was inspired by his poem, "Strong Men."
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