Ditch the ads, upload images and much more - upgrade today from 5.95/month!
Read • Contests • Groups • Learn • Forums • Store • Help
 

Jim Crow

So go ahead
Mock me
I'm ready
Been ready all my life
Was born into all this strife

So go ahead Jim Crow
I aint a dumb John Doe

Won't dance at your request
Suckle at the racist's breast

So go ahead Jim Crow
Mock me
With all the hate you have
Unlock me

For it will only set me free
It is you that hurts
Not me

Author notes

Jim Crow Laws - in the US between 1876 & 1965 there were laws (known as Jim Crow laws) that stated that black people were "separate but equal" ...in reality this led to huge institutional racism and condescension. Although Jim Crow laws have long since gone, I fear the bird still flies.

A contest entry

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    • Line numbers  • Invite them to read
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

1 - 9 of 9

  • malkinpuss
    July 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Enjoyed

    The content aside, which was great, I enjoyed the subtle play on words and sounds when reading it. Well done!


  • Star Shine
    July 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Excellent point, interesting subject to bring out this point of view, the line "unlock me" was stellar, very insightful. well done.


  • jgrayson-au
    June 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Ok personifing a "law"... handily with the name of a person, is sheer brilliance in thought. The poem itself is great, but overshadowed at the initial idea behind it. Makes me want to write a poem about an evil woman named Patri O'Tact.


  • apoeticinjustice gold member
    May 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    very powerful, very truthful. A wonderful write. Well done
    Rory


  • HellRaiser21
    May 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Great poem, this was what I wanted thank you.


  • faderman1959
    April 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This speaks on more levels than most realize I think. It is a statement about all kinds of hatred and disrespect. The honesty in this comes through loud and clear! Great write!


  • quantumsurveyor
    April 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Is Martin Luther King's anniversary merely an anniversary or should we celebrate a black man for president (yet, how truly black is he?) A needed poem I think.

  • jaie2007
    April 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    I feel a marcher's pain in your words!!!

    The poem is, as if, Maya Angelou bestowed her soul in you. These lines read like an adult Negro's lines. I hear Fannie Lou Hamer speaking through your words. I can't comment on work so remarkable!


  • Cup-a-Joe
    April 6, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    here-here

    Amen! Nice well written poem.
    You go Girl!
    Joe

1 - 9 of 9