Emancipation Memorial

Inspired by the recent protests to tear down the Emancipation Memorial in Lincoln Park (a statue that had been paid solely by freed slaves), and the clashes they had with black counter-protestors.

The young white man screamed,

“Tear it down!”

The old black man said,

“Speak not, for you speak from ignorance.”

The young white man muttered,

“Useless old codger, who knows not that I speak for you.”

The old black man said,

“My tongue is intact. What do I need you for?” 

The young white man whimpered,

“My intentions were noble.”

The old black man said,

“Intentions shield you not from consequence.”

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

A powerful, timely poem, JSR. Throughout the US we see many youngsters (including many rich Ivy League types), who've never lived through struggles or crisis, try to adopt the platform of oppression, racism and exploitation. As you allude to this poem, there's not only a credibility gap, but it's not everyone's fight. And, we should never assume we speak with the same voice of those with different backgrounds and experiences.

[Neville]

.... very much of the moment and well penned my friend, certainly enjoyed by me ..