Race Relations

A poem I wrote about race, inspired by recent events throughout the U.S.

Equality is a falsified notion; that is now more clear than ever before, 
as race relations that were already tense have finally evolved into an all out war.
Black lives matter, they claimed, until nine more lives were lost,
still, we march on, as we shall overcome, regardless of the cost.

Our children are daily forced to pledge allegiance to one nation,
with dishonest promises of liberty and justice that only ever result in aggravation.
There is no justice for people of colour,
for we are denied the same privilege bestowed upon the others.

There are no in or out-groups, no us versus them,
in this system built on lies that needs to be condemned.
The civil rights movement now seems like it was all in vain,
as the blood of our brothers and sisters still stains the streets
and ends up circling the drain.

The emancipation proclamation may as well have remained unsigned,
with every step forward, we have fallen twice as many steps behind.
Today, I am filled with such voracious rage
that brings to mind images of the slaves that built these cities, only to be caged.

Speeches made by remarkable men like Malcolm X and Dr. King
have only been forgotten as the oppressed are still suffering.
I, too, have a dream that one day we will be judged by the content of our character
and not by the colour of our skin;
loved for what is within, and not just based on melanin.

This vicious cycle seems to have no end in sight,
only resulting in unanswered prayers and sleepless, tear-filled nights.
Is it any wonder why the people are angry and afraid,
desperate to take the law into their own hands for promises of reparations that were never paid?

Is there any question as to why protests erupt into full blown riots,
once reality sets in, it is impossible to remain quiet.
This American dream has proven to be a nightmare,
for the land of the free still refuses to play fair.

Laws are made then disobeyed whilst all the rules continue to be broken,
this flawed justice system was designed to keep us enslaved,
ensuring that the truth remains unspoken.
I, for one, will not be silenced until humanity is saved,
as I fight for innocent souls buried prematurely in unmarked graves.

I will not rest until there is only one human race,
instead of the trauma that comes with feeling alienated or displaced.
Education and acceptance are the only keys that can unlock these
hate filled gates of oppression, united we will stand again,
once we choose love and atone for our transgressions.

Author's Note

What do you think of the dialogue? How can I improve the flow?

Reviews

[mattavelli]

I think it flows nicely. Plenty of points to inspire argument.

[Pushkar Prabhat]

this is powerful......thoughtful......thorough.....and very important......
the flow is good.........
beautiful poem!!!
i loved it!!!
:)