Black Man's Dilemma Poem by James B. Earley

Black Man's Dilemma

Rating: 3.4


Where would we go if told to leave
This land where our kidnapped forefathers grieved
For life as it once were
And not as destiny's mind perceived

We have no heritage to call our own
Where could we go if summarily thrown
From this oasis of bigotry and hate
Long....our adopted home

Would our foreign kin whose blood we share
In Africa and Europe.....welcome us there
Will they perhaps the least bit care
If ever we're told to leave
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May the God who planned Slavery's plight
Declare aloud...our vested right
To this soil...and grant us strength
........To stand.....and fight

Should ever...we're told to leave

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Bertrina Shorter 18 February 2009

aw man words cant xpress what the emotion i feel the words on ur page or so real and true beautiful and so moving. being an african american these scars run skin deep

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Fay Slimm 15 September 2008

A question of appeal which will forever be asked, and oh so poignantly put. Bless you and thank you. Greetings from Fay. Cornwall U.K.

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Lynda Robson 11 September 2008

An excellent piece James, I hope one day people will be accepted for who they are, not for what colour they are, and maybe the US will soon have a black man for President, I hope so, Lynda xx

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Patrick McFarland 21 August 2008

I was so moved by this poem I added it to 'My Favorite Poems' list. Very impressive writing James. Very impressive indeed.

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Dawn Slanker 07 July 2008

Amazing poem...you made my eyes tear over. I can't imagine what it must be like to harbor such a fear. Not just for black americans, but for all cultures. I'm not part of your culture so I can't say that I know your fear, but I can tell you that I am trying my best to help ensure this won't ever happen by teaching my children about love and acceptance and that all people, regardless of culture, color, or religion, deserve respect and equality. Mr. Earley, you have a gift and it's through this gift that awareness is achieved and changes are made. Thank you for sharing.

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Jean Likover(Ballard) 15 February 2019

Wow! No comment is necessary because your poem needs no puffery. I will try to say something nice though....Most excellent!

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Akhtar Jawad 04 April 2018

A great and touching poem, its inhuman if they ask you to leave, like them you are also a native now.

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Smoky Hoss 02 September 2011

Such a powerful poem, enlightening indeed. May no country ever feel the need nor the right to remove any people based on the foolish idea 'they are different, therefore they must go'. Great writing.

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Christine Kerr 28 March 2009

This is one poem that I took the time to read all responses, Slavery and The Holocaust are two different things that I can't believe, we as human could group together and say that it was OK to follow through with. My hat is off to you, in making people open their eyes as to how cruel this world can really be. It is a poem that I'm saving, so I can keep reminding myself to keep trying to be a better person. May God Bless You James.

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Patti Masterman 06 March 2009

A people of such great talents and humanity, would never be told to leave, because it would impoverish this country beyond any hope of repair. There's a breathtaking depth in this sorrowful piece.

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