Jefferson's Shadow

In a conversation about Negroes,
a dream erupts between the solemn thoughts;
given a sight of this day what would they say
that lived with chains and punishment?

I feel the deep recoil as they see themselves
In the modern eye that cannot find the bridge
Where faith guided each step,
and only the hope for those to be
Filled their present emptiness.

I feel the pride of prophesy
When, as if drop by drop, their forgotten prayers came true
Though ripped by dogs and hatred;
Torn by evil that hid in plain view.

A conversation about Negroes cannot withstand
The urge to laugh and cry; the nobility we should have
The inheritance trust, proofed the good of mankind.
When the blood that found fire
‘Neath marks of blue and grey, commingled
for a cause uncertain, a nation gave birth
To a greater self.

A conversation about Negroes distilled a crucial essence
Of a found truth in words meant for everyone else;
that the utterances of freedom and joy-
spoken by self-appointed royalty, caught drops from sky and courageous eyes-
Came to gather and flow into an endless, deep river.
Carrying freedom within breaths of a doubtless vision
On its slow meander into a boundless sea.