3/5ths

Deals with the idea of being 3/5th's human

 

In history class
They told me I was three-fifths of a man
That’s what they wrote in the constitution
Thomas Jefferson constituted that to be truth
So this idea of being less than human
Took root in this country’s roots
And represented in a movie called “Roots”
But these roots have sprouted into trees
Trees that bear all the wrong fruit
And we eat these apples and
Blind ourselves to the truth
Not realizing that the lies
Have been laid out in front of our eyes
Because we follow false laws,
As if they were written in stone tablets
Handed out by Moses to false leaders
Then redistributed to us in pamphlets
And we keep these pamphlets in our pockets
As instructional tools that we use to raise our kids
Because we don’t want them getting out of line
Or forgetting their social role, because
One day they’ll recall what we taught them
Trying to teach their kids the right road
Not realizing that we’ve been in a 231 year chokehold
Not quite walking right, because
We still got “sea legs” from being shipped in boatloads
Not quite talking right, because
An English book, my ancestor’s couldn’t hope to hold
Not quite thinking right, because
Back then it was illegal for a slave to know
Reflecting on where we’ve come from
Where we are right now, and
Where we are hoping to go
I just pray that one day we find the right road

Reviews

[Write4theSky]

I was curious because the title cued me in as to what this poem was about. This is amazing. I rlly like the tree part and the "sea legs". I think you could find a better last line, because the rest of your poem is completely you, and the last line has been said before.

[M. View]

I like this it hot, truthful and honest. Great write

[Brjden (Bridge-Den) Cre..]

Dope!!! I loved this piece! The title captured me because I knew what it would be about, but I didn't know it would be so intelligent and full of knowledge! You're an incredible talent and I'm gonna check out more of your work! Great write!

[Inda Lauryn]

The links in this piece are exceptional. It's engaging, thoughtful and eloquently expressed.

[Lyra H]

Interesting perspective...