Us Folk

Be we yet in chains, or not –
fools for freedom, bound by ought
slaves to substances and sot
and perpetually wrought?

Be our liberty for naught
fools for freedom, bound by ought
slaves to substances and sot
and perpetually wrought?

Be we better for the gain –
equaled by forgotten names
pimping pride for an acclaim
pacified to skirt disdain?

Be we still, in every way –
still at spirit, will at bay
blinded by that brighter day
ever yearning for allay?

Be we beasts of burden yet –
tilling, towing deep regret
bearing wherewithal to let
tangled up in epithets

Be we black, and only so –
never from a hue to grow
placated by false bellow
call us equal to send us fro?
…the skin it holds us in
unless it holds us out…

Be we yet in our own chains –
insecurity a blain
gives our weakness new ordain
enacts complacency on pain?

Be we trapped, lest we forget –
salvation lies in due layette
can destination be reset
if not our own, then for the next?

…the youth are the reparation
let them be paid in full…

Be we better for the aim –
for the cull, no more the same
opt for rigor, spite the flame
arrive at where we overcame?

Better for the sacrifice –
For helping my sister rise
For defining freedom’s price
As something we can all suffice?

Yes
yes we be
if we don’t let
ourselves
disregard
ignore
medicate

our struggle away

Yes
We be