Still Black

After the Parade has shed it's garlands

When the crowd and fanfare bid's adieu

The music now fades to.... black

The quiet then descends in deafening silence

Alas! I am alone. Yet!

Not strangely, still comfortable in my black skin

Ensconced in my thought cocoon

My mind a riot of words, thoughts and queries

After the parade. What now?

Spirits bound, arms grasping

For release

Still heavy

The chains that bind

Exhorting from deep within

An awakening of mind, body and soul

Though we fervently remind ourselves

That we are free

Are we not the same Black and Beautiful folks of yore

Our minds warped by the thinly veiled whispered nuances

Of innuendos and reminders that we are less than we are

Unbind thyself

Release thy chains

Release thy soul

From the mind games

And gilded cages

That entwine and wrap

Around the will to break free

Be unfettered from the cocoon

Of self doubt and insecurity

Towards self acceptance and self worth

Does anything ever change

After the parade has disaggregated

And the dazzle, glitter and glamor

Has evanesced, melted and faded away

I arise to the same world

But different somehow

Where the colors diverge and blur

And yet, once again

There are questions

How can one tiny ant

Convince an entire colony

That working together is truly

The only way forward

That peace and harmony

Must again be our bailiwick

That hurt and pain and intense agony

Inflicted upon each other is counter productive

To all colors and creeds existing as one

With might and main

The task is ventured and endeavored

And so I forge ahead

Vowing to share the news

Of emancipated minds and kindred spirits

One miniscule, tiny ant at a time

After the parade

Reality awaits

Amidst flights of fancy

I rise to the challenge

I am, yet, still black and proud

Armed resolutely with a purpose

For have we not moved forward

While still standing still

The more we change

The more we remain the same

Giving up not being an option

We plunge headfirst

Into the fray, armed with resoluteness

Purposeful, determined and unwavering

My place veers towards keeping the fire burning

Pruning the forest and leaves

So we see our purpose ever clearer

Shining aloft pure and bright

Forever onwards fighting the good fight

N.A.