We parade the world stage with our grand old flag
a symbol of freedom and pride
but what of the elephant in the room
and the jackass that stands by its side?
To signify freedom we fly it for all,
yet some feel betrayed by the sight—
and while we don’t feel what these others may feel,
leaving us question what’s true and what’s real,
doesn’t diminish their strife
If this were an illness, some kind of disease
with labs on the verge of a cure,
if we could eradicate, help symptoms ease
would we turn a blind eye, a deaf ear?
Those in denial will never seek truth
while others live hatred each day;
some only believe what they choose to hear
they don’t see a problem, say what they say
facts do not matter, just get in the way—
Is it their pride? Or just fear?
My ancestors settled long after the war*
they came here to make a new life–
they too were insulted, derided, berated,
judged by their customs, so many were hated
while having their freedoms denied.
Yet through their insistence, faith and persistence
while acceptance still came at a price,
it isn’t quite fair to even compare
the difference between black and white.
We’ll never shed shackles where silence condones,
where everyone’s guilty, but no one atones,
and those passing judgment have cast the first stone.
Until we hear song that the caged bird sings,
it’s then, only then, that our freedom will ring.
© Ginny Brannan 7/04/2021
*Reference to Civil War.
**A work in progress, doesn't quite feel 'complete.'
