I grew up in the shadows
the sun hidden behind a cloud
darkness spread over the south
like a river flood
the view was a cotton field
sharecroppers worked in peonage
with no way out for them
not so for me
I existed in the shadows
and hid my secret thoughts
passing along occasional kindness
as all I had to give
but I knew what the shadows were
the shadows of slavery lingered
cruel words of ownership
and better treatment for dogs
I filtered in and out of shadows
till I was old enough to leave
I hid from the evil of darkness
until I found the light
Racism! Like a river flood. But, wisdom is the heart that loves all mankind. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
those lingering childhood memories affect us the rest of our lives...the only thing we can do is deal with them honestly, and in this case, beautifully. Also love your photo. Thanks for sharing Barry....
I try. Growing up where and when I grew up was a lesson either in hatred of love. I thank God every day that I had a mother who taught me the right path. Thank you for the comment.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Slavery, racism, bigotry, violence and hatred are the fundamentals of the Abrahamic religious texts and will always be a part of human existence until all religions are abandoned.
Sadly true. I am sure some would take issue with your comment but I don't. Religion is a very divisive element of our world.