By: Cedric McClester

Since time began
I can’t think of when
My people have been appreciated
For their melanin
So why don’t cha try living in
The skin that we’re in
Before you decide
Whether we’re foe or friend

Though black is beautiful
It’s been said
And long before slavery
We’ve seen where that’s led
Black women inside of
A white man’s bed
And black men subjugated
Or summarily bled

These are statements
Of salient facts
On the history of how
Whites have treated blacks
And now is no time
For us to relax
We’re not that far from
Plantations or shacks

But let me not end on
A sour note
Though I could continue
To emote
Truly optimism
Is what floats my boat
So if you must
Let that be your quote

Cedric McClester, Copyright © 2021.  All rights reserved.