i_too

I TOO
(as based on the poem, "I TOO" by Langston Hughes)

I too am part of the song,
I am the unkempt brother.
People see my appearance,
Scrawny, rough, long bearded,
Poorly clothed, asking for a bit
Of whatever someone may spare.

Sometimes they give, usually
in extreme moderation, others just
Laugh at me, thinking I'm worth
what I have. Others attack me,
Or spit in my face, or take what little
I have from me, and tell me to go find
Somewhere else, away from them.

But tomorrow, I will be like everyone
Else, cleanly shaven, good clothing, and
I will have respect. I will give to others,
And laugh back at those who laughed at
me, when I was in need.

They will be ashamed they made the mistake
That some men cannot achieve what they want
to, that determination cannot exist, if they don't
possess materials. They will see that if you have
enough determination, anything can happen.

I too am America.

Midi: "Alone"
(Triskelion Music)

Graphic: "Rehabilitation"
(Br. Columbia Teacher's Federation)