I'm Sorry

I'm sorry for the scourges of the Earth,
How dare they buy and sell another human being!
I'm sorry for the Atlantic and its arduous journey,
How its rugged tides must of felt in the Galley's-
Chained and shackled along with the rats
I'm sorry you were stolen from your land,
To be taken to a land stolen from other people
With dark skin-but lighter than yours
I'm sorry you were toiled-starved and beaten,
And when of no use, thrown overboard to the depths of the ocean-
Black as night to match one's skin, forevermore
I'm sorry for the poor souls, who succumbed that fate
Maybe it was in their divine plan
To escape the turmoil of picking the cotton-
And being whipped and raped by
Master.

Reviews

[Freedom]

wow..a poem that has a beautiful flow and careful syntax..that is aimed towards racism? How difficult to do. And it's totally a throw, off of what the reader thinks is coming. From the title, "im sorry," we expect just another emo poem written to a past lover or something..but this was a fine and unexpected twist.

And the way you say "im sorry," i dont think that youre expressing guilt..actually, i think you're merely expressing a tribute to those who suffered from those tragic events, and your purpose is to impress upon people that you absolutely do not agree with it, aside from just how tragic the events were.

[Kelly]

i like this poem for its topic, as i dont believed it is to often written about because it shows America in a negitive light (being home of the free, ya know?). what i suggest is reading a bit upon true recollections and stories. your poem and language is great, but i bet if you read up a bit on slave trade and real stories from both sides, you might find more to write about and might be able to paint an even better picture of what truely took place. have you tried writing a companion poem for this? from the voice of the people on the other side?

[emz]

I liked this poem... it is well written with alot of heart... That was a terrible part of history, why should we forget?? I bet they don't.

X

[Poeticpiers]

You apologise eloquently in well written prose Buy why do you feel the need to apologise for things over which you had no control. I agree with your sentiments But I feel no guilt for acts commited without my knowledge and consent. Forget the past slave trading still goes on today so raise your voice in protest here and now