beyond the cur(s)e of skin-deep hate

♪a rhymed, mirrored double octet♪

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised
by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison
men because they are different from other men. –Lyndon B. Johnson

i
cannot
even see
the ground beneath
the knee that presses
my face into the ground
i see a dark nightblindness
four hundred years without rebate
beyond the cur(s)e of skin-deep hate
no trace of humankindness
can in these hearts be found
no love that blesses
where by the teeth
bourgeoisie
bigots
die

i
cannot
even breathe
though life is for
both high and lowly
hate’s stranglehold cuts short
the crown of God’s creation
four hundred years without rebate
beyond the cur(s)e of skin-deep hate
the scourge of every nation
none willing to abort
strangles us slowly
if we hanker
slaves beneath
bloodshot
skies

© Copyright 2020 June 01
by Clyve A. Bowen♫