pitch black sunrise

this is brutal, but very good.  I would like to get into the poetics but it seems inapprpriate.  I feel like alot of people would like to comment on this, but will be to uncomfortable to do so.  Ecspecially white people like me.  I think you achieved what you are going for.

MB ... Just the fact that you took a moment to pause and dialogue is in itself great because that's what's needed to stem the flow of violence against targeted groups.  
 
Being in NYC with the tensions brewing in the headlines, and hearing stories about the Klan from my southern parents and grandparents ... This write poured out of me around 2 am ...  
 
... I'm glad it struck a chord.  
 
Many thanks for the feedback.

Holy crap, Lobo. A full-force punch, to match the topic, and giving it the respect it deserves.

The matter-of-fact tone works so well...was it intentional? I hope so — it's like you captured that last wakeful moment and stretched it and put in each painful detail.

"sky will be white again" is my favorite line, breathtaking.

Thanks Tankgirl ... And yes I wanted this to be stark and unapologetic in its language and description.
 
The picture came after the fact; but when I saw this one with the little girl I added the "da lil' gal smiles" line.  
 
I wrote it for a comp but given a number of tragedies happening here in the states I wanted to highlight this continued travesty and practice in the 21st century.
 
Thanks for the feedback.  

It's a sad part of our past that many would like to forget. But it happened. The poem I like, because of the truth and realness, but the things that happened I don't. I'm an open-minded black man who learns and respect history no matter its former consequences.  

The great tragedy CS is given current events we seem to be going backwards.  Unfortunately so many children of color think we've made it because they can have Jordans and iPhones.  It's not until some cop has them spread eagle on the ground for walking in the "wrong" place that they realize those Jordans don't mean shit.  
 
Thanks for commenting brotha.

True that's why knowledge and common sense and how to use and apply it to everyday life is of so much importance. But a poem/writing like this will frustrate more than educate.

Fucking amazing ...

Big like

PoetSpeak my NYC brotha! ... I knew you'd get it!

I appreciate the shout out and big nod!

James Byrd's brutal murder in 1998 is indicative of the cruelty that lurks in the dark recesses of the American flag.  He was killed in Texas, a state notorious for lynchings through the 1920s ...  
... Yes you're right Gabriel it's hard to understand such hatred and venom.

Thank you for commenting and taking the time to mention
Mr. Byrd so others might understand this disease.

Merci Beaucoup

I am thankful everyday that I did not have the Southern, (even though it's national and not merely regional), mentality ingrained into my psyche, having grown up in the deep South where the racist mindset is still, very much rife. I actually moved away from the South and went to the Pacific Northwest 20 years ago to get away from this limpdick, mindless state of mind.

Its always drove me crazy how men can be so condescending towards each other, when we all have gifts and endless possibilities within ourselves to be the greatest soul who's ever contributed to or walked on this insane asylum that we live on.

This was an stark and eye-goughing truth be told
write from you Lobo.

  Emotionally infuriating... Pan (LyricofAngst)

The South is like that uncle we all have, sober he's charming and funny.  Filled with stories and wisdom. Drunk, he's bitter, vile and vengeful ... deadly even.

I've love my parents native Charleston, but grateful for my grandfather's lessons on how to use a pistol and the stories he told me on why a man defends his home against evil.

Thanks for the read ... the thoughtful comment ... And the Reading List add.  

I think you did great depicting how they might have felt before and after death, and not necessarily in that order which is nice...

Enjoyed...

Thank you for the read and more importantly the comment ... If I've learned nothing else from some great writers here it's don't be afraid to push.

I'm humbled that you feel I've accurately captured what must have been an agonizing finality for far too many.

Mo chara,

(Firstly:  offering my sincere apology for the late comments...but the intensity of this piece affected me sooo very deeply...

admittedly struggling for words of expression to honor your courage, and strength, in  the depiction of such clarity in  t h i s senseless act of cruelty...)

The pain in this piece....p i e r c i n g--it scraped my soul raw.

...And your incorporation of the stark contrast of the corruption of the innocent--"da lil' gal smiles...."--this seems to serve as the tragic reminder of how this cycle  IS, (and will be)continued.....unless,(and only)if past lessons are  n o t  learned, and a means is
n o t  derived that breaks this pattern of prejudice, and hatred, being passed on...as what is acceptable...as what is the norm.

My heart goes out to your family... for having to suffer the witnessing of such violence.

And to you...my deepest respect for sharing what must have been a very difficult work for you to write.

Written today at 9:42pm by LobodeSanPedro    
Thank you for your sympathies for my family ... sadly we've witnessed and even fallen victim to our own pathos in trying to come to grips with second class citizenry.

It does my heart and mind well to know that a caring soul like your own as taken the time to read and comment on this know matter how jarring the subject may be.  

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

... So again thank you for the words.

Heart wrenching write, difficult to read my friend

I have to thank Toniscales for planting the seed on this - it was part of a competition.  

Once the idea took hold I just wanted to write some bitter truth.

Thanks for commenting.  

She helped me too, awesome lady. You write this so raw witch much respect to you my friend

Just wanted to leave a comment. (Also, thanks to you, Lobode, and Muse.) This piece is truly your opus. A masterpiece. Haunting, lyrical, even the dialect contributing to the tragic poetry of the heartbreaking event. Congratulations, Lobode. Please keep writing.

Thank you for providing the springboard by hosting the comp. ... That's what I like most about competitions, the opportunity to take a given topic and stretch it beyond what others might see.

This is one of the most sad powerful poems I've ever read. Crazy how people could do such a thing. It is our world history. Hopefully a reminder that we have all passed these times and will never have to relive this ever again. You are a true talent I felt this from the heart.

I appreciate your taking the time and comment on this.  This a poem, and few others, I consider sacred in my life.

We should all really appreciate those who were around during those hard times.

This Sunday was a commemoration for Bloody Sunday ... I pray for those who died liked this - many unknown except to loved ones.