Laughed at and told I’m not worthy

Chased and beaten just for my freedom

Hanged from trees on Saturday nights

Sunday Morning hymned up in praising

Lashings from whips to illicit a backing

Hungry but eating pork extremities fulfilling

Grandma shined shoes with college education

Denied candy purchases in northern cities

Police beatings and shootings in regularity

Homes burned to the ground, churches bombed

Roles of subservientcy regularly shown on T.V.

Watching homelands exploited globally

Condo boards denying my hue entry

Brainwashed over time to believe my value as chattal

Sharecropping to unfairly put food on master’s table

Families survived of f scraps and throwbacks

My stories are worn on the faces of my people

That is why I smile with pain but rise yet again

Nothing new can be done to confuse my shroud

Or raiment, as to remember this factual history

Is to rightfully and proudly still wear “these”

yesterdays FOREVER!