“Sticks and stones
may break my bones
but words can’t hurt me.”
(something like that)
Great axioms
have often been
greater deceptions
to aid in oppressing
the oppressed…
particularly those
that are the children.
An overheard dialogue
between two free-spirited
children
sent piercing pain
from my ears
straight to my mind
causing near heart failure
due to failure
to realize how often
we’re at the mercy
of assumptions:
“Man, that girl looks just like Rosa Parks.”
“Rosie who?”
“Rosa Parks, fool!”
“Who’s that?”
“Stop jiving bro, you know who I’m talking about.”
“Yea, I think I’ve heard the name; but can’t remember her.”
The ding-dong bell rang
signaling the library was closing—
I cried all the way home
yet no tear fell…
only an excruciating fear
that led to an updating
of my resume
and teaching applications.
Pity, though 40 years of experience
proved graciously appreciated
it was deemed that today’s youth
needed youthful personalities
to meet their special youthful needs!
Don’t be sorry;
be aware…
“To not know is bad;
not to remember to know
is worst.”
Let us ever be mindful…in the struggle
liberation of body and mind
is an everlasting journey
along which the workers may die
but the work goes on…
