I didn't climb to the
mountaintop with you.
But, I was still there.
I don't awake everyday knowing
I will be called to my face as
I go about my day.
But, I was still there.
I didn't watch as another
was strung up as an example
to keep fear running through my veins.
But, I was still there.
I don't lie awake all
night fearing that my
family will be kidnapped
or murdered.
But, I was still there.
I didn't get spat on,
cursed at and pelted with rocks
as I walked to school.
But, I was still there.
I didn't have to witness
a white man whipping a
poor soul to the brink of death.
But, I was still there.
I don't have to pass a
'Whites Only' restroom to relieve
myself in a filthy, not fit for an animal
restroom labeled 'Colored Only'.
But, I was still there.
I don't have to bite my
tongue in fear when referred
to as 'boy' by superior whitey
every time he speaks at me.
But, I was still there.
I don't have to slave
in the heat of the day in
excruciating, mental pain
and humiliation while
'massa' is raping my
wife and daughters.
But, I was still there.
I didn't stand there dejected,
depleted and lonely while the
only true family I've ever known
is up for auction on their way
to another plantation.
But, I was still there.
I didn't get punished by a
high-pressured water
jet from a firehose
during a peaceful walk
in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963.
But, I was still there.
I didn't get 'beat' to death
by a group of white boys
simply because of my
beautiful, Black skin.
But I was still there.
I didn't get limbs cut
off for trying to escape
to freedom from the oppressor
when he knew I had every Right to.
But, I was still there.
Though life was bleak, dark,
painful and unnatural, something
deep inside of you would not
allow you to give up Hope.
I know, I'm still there………………………..
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem