deepundergroundpoetry.com
What Has Changed
We never knew the pain
The strife the agony.
The waiting in vain
The quest to be free.
We never tasted the asphalt
The grainy salt of the ground.
The daily taste of consequence
Of being stricken down.
We didn't have to beg.
We didn't have to plead.
We don't have to cry.
We don't have to bleed.
So we laugh and drink to a new day.
And this is what we say.
We say that we are free
Oppression has gone astray.
We say ,"We are now in the game.
Today is our day."
But what about today?
What has really changed?
The strife the agony.
The waiting in vain
The quest to be free.
We never tasted the asphalt
The grainy salt of the ground.
The daily taste of consequence
Of being stricken down.
We didn't have to beg.
We didn't have to plead.
We don't have to cry.
We don't have to bleed.
So we laugh and drink to a new day.
And this is what we say.
We say that we are free
Oppression has gone astray.
We say ,"We are now in the game.
Today is our day."
But what about today?
What has really changed?
Published 18th Oct 2021
Author's Note
40 years ago as a ten year old kid, I listened intently to my grandmother talk about how it was the norm to step off the sidewalk to make way for a White couple. She talked about how a man of color wouldn't even dare to make eye contact a White woman. When talking about race, I hear how much "we" have it made in society and how far we've come as far as progress as a whole. "Progress" is not an excuse for "us" not to continue to fight for what is right. There is so much else to be said. But for now .......................
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The author encourages honest critique.
Anonymous
19th Oct 2021 7:55am
What has changed was you and your perspective. The world ain't goin' nowhere so it's all about our attitude towards it. I think you're on the right track. Keep writing and see where that pen takes you.
19th Oct 2021 6:39pm
So true. I wrote this years ago and it still rings true today. Thank you so much for reading. I appreciate you.
The opening of eyes and shining of real truth and the life's reality of all peoples in this country, their lived through daily indignations, etc... To me, from my life view, I see a tediously slow and unjust winding path. I feel like it's always take two, three steps forward, only to be knocked several more, back....sigh...
I try to keep hope alive, focusing on in on my little slice of the world, trying my best to make a difference by putting out as much goodness and helping with strives for as much change into my community, as I can muster... (and that time allows) My thinking is, if that motivates only one person to reevaluate their fucked up thinking.
well, that's hope that wasn't wasted... and time well spent... I love that saying "Think global, act local!"... Yep... I agree!
Terrific read, dear poet.
I really love poems that spark a deep sense of thought provoking....
Thank you for that ember -
Be safe and be well - 🙏🏻
🌹 - B
x
I try to keep hope alive, focusing on in on my little slice of the world, trying my best to make a difference by putting out as much goodness and helping with strives for as much change into my community, as I can muster... (and that time allows) My thinking is, if that motivates only one person to reevaluate their fucked up thinking.
well, that's hope that wasn't wasted... and time well spent... I love that saying "Think global, act local!"... Yep... I agree!
Terrific read, dear poet.
I really love poems that spark a deep sense of thought provoking....
Thank you for that ember -
Be safe and be well - 🙏🏻
🌹 - B
x
19th Oct 2021 7:30pm
I am always moved by your words whether it is your poetry or in your comments. Thank you. And I appreciate you.
19th Oct 2021 11:16pm
I've read this a few times and wanted to comment but couldn't find the words that are adequate for the suffering that has come before me. Hoping for equality for all one day. Paths begin and progress does come slowly. We as humans are flawed. Time and grace and hope illuminate paths and hopefully eyes that see ...
Quality writing
Important
Should be read by many
BIG LIKE
Quality writing
Important
Should be read by many
BIG LIKE
19th Oct 2021 11:43pm
Thank you so much Sir, for those touching words. I am so grateful to have found a place where people like my expression. It is much appreciated.
