Should the Negro Sing, My Country tis of Thee

Our people, the negro people,

continue to sing, we shall overcome.

We continue to sing, we shall overcome,

someday.

 

Oh, deep in our heart,

we know we do believe—

wait a minute!

Wait just one minute.

 

We can no longer be certain about that.

We keep moving forward,

but the finish lines keep moving away from us,

even behind us.

 

Once, there was light in the tunnel;

now we see dimly through darkly colored glass.

We, who not long ago were called colored people,

continue to forge forward in this nation

illuminated by white light.

 

Even rose-colored glasses no longer

inspire a sense of hope.

 I am despondent by grief and despair.

No longer am I eager to sing,

we shall overcome,

someday.

 

Deep in my heart lies a sense of lost inspiration,

aspiration, and determination.

My country, tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty,

I choose not to sing of thee

until we overcome,

someday.

 

 

© emmett wheatfall