Excuse Me Sir

Excuse me sir... officer, judge; I said I didn't do it

I didn't beat that man to death and I swear that

I can prove it.

I was at a game in overtime when this crime was

going down.  I know there has to be several other

black tall men around.

The judge looked over to me and said I was the one to blame

he said even if It wasn't you we need someone to name.

It's lynching time around these parts and we need a man

that's black, handcuffed my hands, scuffed my head, then

threw me in the back.

I asked; but isn't this America? The land where everyone's free?

he said I'm sure there's been a mistake you see the free

they look like me.

I looked at my skin then at his and knew one thing was clear

20th Century racism exists, my hearts biggest fear.

They threw me in a cell with men all fighting, crying, to use the phone

all wishing America was a place that they could call a home

But I guess it's not, I know though now I'm just another face

judged soley on my born trait, I bare the negro race.

                                      
 By, Michelle D Jones

Broken 4 Repair

Broken 4 Repair

 

I shall not be the broken spirit

you tried so hard to manipulate.

 

You can send me to the judge

a million times and I'll still look him

in the face and say I am not a

"product" of my upbringing.

 

You can continue to shackle me

and my people, close the gates of freedom,

and deprive me of air, but your chains

will be broken.

 

If not by me, then by another person that

looks just like me, cept' this time they'll

be even bolder & sharper with their speech,

and education, together we'll inch closer

to having a voice.

 

And this time you'll listen and understand

and if you choose not to listen, we'll

continue to come forward, soldiers of our own war

not yours.

 

By, Michelle Jones