Up from the depths of slavery
From laboring affliction to liberty
Whipped blemished and cast aside
Cursed be their dark skin hides
Feelings and ability we did not own
Nothing to us creative belonged
Courtesy and respect, shown to who?
Dark skin people? If any few.
Let them exercise their backs
Load the down until they crack
When they die well buy some more
Dark skin people. Chain in a store
Make them fall upon their knees.
whimpering, begging, and saying please.
Ignorant, helpless, and our scape-goat.
Dark skin people? Keep at their throats.
Hate! HAte! Is the weapon they chose.
Work! Work! Is the one we used.
Endurance and patience was on our side.
Dark skin people, we have our pride.
About initiative, we proved them wrong.
Our abilities and progress are going strong
Opportunity is our to advance
Dark skin people? Take this chance.
Let our descendants proudly say.
The folks before us cleared the way
Let all men with honor gaze
Dark skin people, we’ve earned the praise
This poem was written by my grandfather who passed away and I wanted the word to hear what he felt and experienced.
