American Sequel

I was part of a AJC review of "Slavery by Another Name" by Douglas A. Blackmon and wrote this poem in reference to the book.

America, the beautiful

Land of the free

Separate but equal

How could this be?

In God we trust

Formed to dominate

A Christian nation

So why do U hate

Your colored skinned brothers

With a rage that you create

Look at your resume

No attempt to abate

Slavery, lynching, Trail of Tears, and even Katrina

How can you compensate?

Reparations, apologies, any form of regret

After hundreds of years, well past being late

A little understanding

Would be nice to generate

In closing the racial gap

Long overdue at this current date

What price must be paid?

What’s the going rate?

For a situation so misunderstood

Without the desire to regulate

While claiming to be clueless

Because U overlook the clear unequal

After waiting for so long

What is the American sequel?

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

It's all so very true, and makes me angry, frustrated and breaks my heart, too. I foolishly thought things would change after all we went through in the sixties, but the same old ugly face has reared its head again. Try to imagine, if you can, what would've happened if thousands of black men showed up near the capitol waving hateful signs, toting guns and threatening violence against the government when that last guy was president.

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem. Here in the USA, we still got a ways to go. But we still live in the best place to live in this world. I like the statements in your words. USA need o set the example for the world. Where race and religion can live in peace.
Coyote

[Sydelle Houston]

Perfect timing Bill, with the election days away. I hope there is a sequel of substance and progress. Nice work and good read!

[.mate.feed.kill.repeat.]

Wow, this was a very interesting look into racism with a very catchy rhythm. I like the theme and I especially like the title. You did a very good job with this.

One little thing that I didn't like--"U." I just don't like when people do that, especially in a piece that was otherwise grammatically perfect.

Setting that aside, however, this was a beautiful, emotional piece. Very well done and highly enjoyable. A beautiful piece!

[Kiwi]

This poem reminds me of why I do not speak the pledge of allegiance.

The only difficulty I had was with so many "ate" rhymes it was hard to leave that pattern and go back to "equal." I had entirely forgotten that the poem even started off with a rhyme that was not "ate." I did love reading the center of the poem, where the rhyme really added to the rhythm and flow.

The "U" also distracted me when everything else seemed so grammatical, but that's probably just a personal style and I totally respect that.

Overall, I thought it was brilliant. Thanks for sharing it!

[D Poet K]

this was one of, if not the most important message in the "Poetology" contest. brilliant.

[Wildfleour]

So much seems better in this country than it was and yet so much is left in a state of disregard. I hope the next chapter and sequel continues to give us all hope.

[Poeticpiers]

well said and not before time.America is not and never was the land of equal opportunity for all such a stae does not exist The rich have always exploited the poor and in all probability always will. The have nots get sick of not having rebele and take the riches from the rich and become exploiters in their turn It has been so since before recorded history,THe rich grow soft and effete and unable to protect themselves and their treasures a kind of simple justice if you like