at 22 i never saw slavery
but I see
Scarlet O’Hara’s and Rhett Butlers
Whores in the form of painted Madonnas
Murderers and Rapists dressed in suits and bow ties
who taught my people to cry:
      "Miz Sca’lit, Miz Sca’lit,
      Ah doe know’ hata burf no babe!"
singing:
      "Sweeeng loooe sweet chaareot,
      Cuumin’ forrr ta caary mee home …"

at 22 i never saw slavery
but I hear
victims crawl from their graves
parade down the aisles of my church
and plant themselves in the pews
in their crusty, clanky jewelry
shackle anklets, chain bracelets, and rope necklaces
singing:
      "Sweeeng loooe sweet chaareot,
      Cuumin’ forrr ta caary mee home …"

at 22 i never saw slavery
but I smell
breezes winding through my livingroom window
carrying the stench of rotting bodies
as they swing from the trees
and the charcoal aroma of Their most recent deli
barbeque of nigger
as the old folks sit and rock
singing:
      "Sweeeng loooe sweet chaareot,
      Cuumin’ forrr ta caary mee home …"

at 22 i never saw slavery
but I feel
hated as i walk through the streets
with eyes staring at me through concrete faces
yet, I overcome
singing:
      "Sweeeng loooe sweet chaareot,
      Cuumin’ forrr ta caary mee home …"