I melt the chain;
the misplaced control you’ve had
over our self-esteem;
the oppressive mindset
created by a proliferated, twisted, version
of the “American Dream.”
I melt the chain and enter into
that which was promised me by a higher authority
too powerful to be held back by an ant
like you.
Too late for debates and misplaced ideals.
That heat you feel
is just a wisp;
not even a full flame from my sun!
Generations have passed
waiting for your ignorance to melt and recognize
the power hidden
underneath our compassion and forgiveness
while you lived clueless
of where we are from.
Too late,
for it is way past
time for us to end this.
Now even you have noticed
the thunder is louder than normal
the light brighter than ever before
and the heat…
yes… the heat
magnified by every beat of that infernal drum
but… it doesn’t seem to be coming from outside,
no… the thunder is the beat of a million hearts
of a million sons of GOD
whose suns have been humble
for far too long;
remaining under your thumb
waiting for wisdom to bleed through to you.
Too late
you realize the source of your mistake
was misplaced pride
and ignorance
fueled by liquid muscles and
vaporous voices shouting
whispers of oppression
over gods.
Your legs and arms buckle
‘cause it’s been hard
to hold a force like we down.
It’s true you did have us
but that was only because
we lost our place.
But now our deity has been found
and pressure only makes
nuclear explosions more powerful.
A final thought enters your mind
as time slows to a frame by frame finality.
Had you embraced us just imagine
where you could be.
Anywhere but here
being crushed by the progression of African feet..
and the heat,
that is all too unbearable.
© 2009 John M. Swails
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Comments
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Bravo Bravo
Im blessed by the hope embedded here. If i had created this inspiring piece i may have said in L33 whose sun have been "passive" vs humble. Humble is positive and has been misunderstood. Humble means strength under control; while passive is to lack desire[overwhelmed by his/her plight to resist when necessary.. L50 "we lost our place" I may have said, we lost our identity, because when a person doesn't have a realization of whose[Sons & Daughters of God] they are or belong..confusion sets in and a lack thereof; forms of lack of appreciation for their uniqueness.
Nevertheless, its an oaktree chant which stretches my capacity to celebrate the rising of a sun. Thanx
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You write without wavering in your assertiveness, breaking the chain of prejudice
breaking the chain of demand and command
breaking down misplaced barriers
and subtely slipping in
the history that never came to fruition
" Had you embraced us imagine where you could be"
Oh, how achingly true dear poet,
if only that had been true then it wouldn't have taken so long for windows of opportunity
to be opened equally for all,
they are wide open now, the fresh air smells
wonderful!
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Loved these lines most specifically;
"Your legs and arms buckle
‘cause it’s been hard
to hold a force like we down."
And these;
"Had you embraced us just imagine
where you could be."
Imagine that! What a different world this would have been had those who oppressed, befriended instead. ~Sigh
Change was inevitable, and now that we have things in our favor my prayer is that we stand and be the true Kings and Queens that we have been since the beginning. Our pressed upon plight was once in the hands of the evildoers, now it is us who is afflicting us...WE must fix this ourselves.
Last week me and my nine year old grandson witnessed three young men (ages 15 - 18) rob and shoot a young man in his back for his cell phone and a few dollars in his pocket. They robbed, and cowardly shot their brother. They have been mis-educated, and have no clue. The one good thing that came of this incident was my being allowed to share with my grandson what not to do with his life.
We have a generation of heartless thugs in our midst. It is the job of people like you and me to try our best to change these minds because only God change the heart. And so, I continue to pray that at some point in the very near future our young, somewhat hopeless children begin to see that WE are presently, our own worse enemy.
Thanks for bringing out my inner-feelings as inspired by what you have written here John. You always compel honest thought with your musing.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ORDINATION! May the Lord put it on your heart to always seek first His Kingdom, and all will be as it should be.
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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Thanks Renee. I don't know why I'm just now seeing your comment but it is greatly appreciated. Change begins at home. Looks to me like you have the right idea.
One Love,
John
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Mighty! I love the tone and voice of this piece, it just breaks through with such power and intensity, blazing bright like the suns spoken of. I can really hear the speaker of this piece, and it is a beautiful, awakening message being shared. Thank you for such a great poem.
~G~
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Boom-boom-boom! Keep pounding that drum and I'll follow the progression of African feet. This is great. I absolutely loved every word and how you joined them. I say again, I wish I could hear you speak.
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Wonderful work John. The last stanza is exceptional.
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