Yes, I Was Born Haitian Poem by Hebert Logerie

Yes, I was born Haitian
I was born in pain
Like all of you my friends
Give me your hands
And I shall give you my shoulders
My strong and virile side to cry on
I shall send you tropical flowers
Every other day, so you can carry on
Yes, I was born in the Caribbean
Like you with a great deal of pain
You and I were not born in vain
We're living on the plains, on the mountains
With innumerable minor sins
Praying that we will be forgiven
So one day, we will be in Heaven
Yes, I was born American
I was born in pain
To love my fellow men and women
To protect the sick, the weak, and the poor
Do you want me to say more?
Once upon a time, all Americans
From the North, South, And Central regions
Used to be fair, good, caring and passionate
Things have changed for the worst. Hate
Racism and sexism dominate the discourse
I'm praying that we change course
Very soon
Before the moon
Comes crashing to destroy Mother Earth
That we're fighting for. This land is my turf
Your home, ours, and theirs. We're all migrants
Immigrants, visitors, guests, passengers, inhabitants
Of this globe, which is constantly turning
Seeking a new winter, summer, fall and spring
Yes, I was born Haitian
I am constantly in pain
Yearning for a better day like you
Searching for a sweeter dew
A new dawn, and a better life like you.

Copyright © October 12,2016 Logerie Hébert, All Rights Reserved
Hebert Logerie is the author of several collections of poetry.