Free-ish
Juneteenth inspired poetry
June 19, 1865, I was set free from being a slave, but ever since they’ve tried to keep me in a grave.
Black flesh is still rough. They took off the chains of old and replaced em’ with handcuffs
Yeah this lands rough. I withstand it tough.
When Black folk seek a promotion track the higher ups send adversity making sure that they can hold us back.
We know its facts, but we’re just trying to escape it. We paint it as easy but we just fake it til we make it.
They raise the bar against me with the most visible things, but they don’t know I have invisible wings.
1865, Black Americans were blessed to see free, but we’re still fighting to be free.
Maybe I’m not free, only free-ish. Freedom is real I can achieve this, Black children please receive this.
Our ancestors fought for centuries so we could live today. June 19, 1865, my Independence Day.
~~Dedicated to all of our heroes of Juneteenth.
About the Creator
Joe Patterson
Hi I'm Joe Patterson. I am a writer at heart who is a big geek for film, music, and literature, which have all inspired me to be a writer. I rap, write stories both short and long, and I'm also aspiring to be an author and a filmmaker.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Excellent storytelling
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Writing reflected the title & theme
Compelling and original writing
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Comments (6)
Powerful & Truth-filled!
This is a beautiful poem in celebration of Juneteenth. Freeish I'd the right word. What's going on in America today is so sad. We are all one human being species My friend I have three African tribes in my DNA .
"Free-ish" is exactly the right word.
Joe, this is one of your best ever works. It tells the truth and it hits where it counts. Outstanding work!!!
Fantastic!!!❤️❤️💕
Excellent ode!