Way Black When

It all started by taking a cruise

On a ship where the cargo would bruise

If given a choice, or even a voice

This wasn’t a trip we would choose

We were beaten, degraded, and raped

Our families were often reshaped

If born as a slave then you had to behave

We were punished if ANY escaped

Despite all of the violence and fuss

We “progressed” to the back of the bus

To sip any fountain, our personal mountain

And there’s still plenty more to discuss

In a culture so radically odd

We were equal, but only to God

If hating our race, try taking our place

Then you’ll realize why bigotry’s flawed

We were constantly under attack

“Civil Rights” isn’t something to lack

How stupid to gloat when we ALL came by boat

Why were IMMIGRANTS yelling, “Go back”

Some said blacks were of much lower specs

Flying airplanes was far too complex

“You'll wash ‘em, dry ‘em, but never will fly ‘em”

They were wrong in so many respects

We invented what few people knew

The guitar, the golf tee, the shoe

The doorknob as well is part of our tale

Even toilets (to handle your poo)

So by bucking the odds, we reinvent

How long ‘til these things are a non-event

With poetic vim, I’ll go out on a limb

And predict that we’ll soon have a president