above all else

Do not close your eyes when the dogs

bare their gnarly teeth.

Do not smile shyly when 

fire hoses are used to press bodies 

unwillingly to the ground.

Do not be alarmed at that irony.

Do not stare at nothing when you walk.

Do not be passive.

They lit a cross

in a white man's yard

for not being passive - 

do not be alarmed at that irony.

They will see your posture

and evaluate your confidence

and if it is found you will sense it.

Intimidation is an ugly snarl;

it sparks defense mechanisms

and wields a survival knife.

If they ensnare you,

do not show fear 

as you offer them your throat

to slice.

Should your blood spill, 

it will flow in rivers of generations,

and should you come thru unscathed,

your testimony will walk before you.

Above all else, son,

when you grow up

be something that matters.

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

A powerful, powerful poem. This is one of your best, for sure.:)

[m.s.early]

Thank you very much KL