Updated:

racism right in the face

By
1334
0

Latest

racism right in the face

By Gregory Pond

We all don’t live every day
With the club of racism
Hitting us right in the face
But we live with its pernicious effects
Which we can’t easily erase
By shutting our eyes
Or rubbing the pencil’s other end
Across a hate-filled page

We may not all live every day
With the fist of racism
Punching us right in the face
But it flows like a river
Through our common veins
Its bitter history leaves our mouths
With a toxic after-taste
All because we happen to belong
To darker hues of the human race

Why should we have to live every day
With the open hand of racism
Slapping us across the face
We shudder whenever contact is made
It leaves us battered and bruised
Accused, the one who’s usually blamed
Every day, it’s an ongoing fight
Just to maintain our basic rights
But in this land of the free and the brave
Why should anyone have to live this way?

This poem appeared in his book of poems titled
Unrested by Gregory Pond, Vagabond Books, 2024

 

+ Articles by this author

Gregory (Greg) Pond was born in Brooklyn to Panamanian parents, has written five books of poetry and is a member of the Revolutionary Poets Brigade. He is host of 3rd Saturday Poetry in Chinatown, facilitates Poetically Speaking, a weekly conference-call program for seniors and has curated events for Queer Rebels. He has read at the World Aids Day commemoration and currently resides in San Francisco.

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Shireen Akram-Boshar, Truthout -

Trump Demands End to Birthright Citizenship Ahead of Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a ruling on Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship by July. Trump publicly pressured the court recently to rule in his favor.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

Voters Rights Coup Shakes Foundation of Our Fragile Democracy

The dismantling of voting rights directed at the African American community can only be described as re-traumatizing and opening old painful wounds in this long-suffering community. Yet this community is rising and resisting. But if the resistance takes the form of African Americans fighting alone, can the assault be overcome?
Erick Día Veliz -

Protestors Gather Outside Michigan ICE Facility, Immigrant Detainees Launch Hunger Strike

Citing dangerous conditions, lack of adequate food and medical care, and cruel legal obstacles that keep many in captivity for months, protesters gather outside as several hundred detainees go on hunger strike at the ICE North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, MI.
Bob Lee, People's Tribune -

We’re ‘Still Trying to Wage Peace,’ Says Veterans for Peace Member

Stephen Bare of Veterans for Peace Chapter 11 in Santa Cruz, CA, describes how the chapter is regrouping and renewing its efforts to "wage peace."
Sandy Reid, People's Tribune -

Nothing Makes Money Like War

The cost of war is astounding — in terms of lives lost, tax dollars spent and human suffering as social programs are cut to pay for war spending. But, giant corporations, billionaires, politicians and others in high places, profit immensely from war.

More from the People's Tribune