America Can't Stand Still; She Mustn't Fall Backwards; Real Progress the Only Option

My Brother

 (Excerpt from Ascend II: From the 'Hood to the Boardroom by Lanze Thompson on Amazaon)

Your skin is bronze and your hair is stern

Your eyes are distant but your hands are firm.

Although we never touch, your presence couldn’t be nearer

Looking at you is as if I’m looking in the mirror.

Our daily journeys travel us along the same infested streets.

Our paths cross many times but our minds never meet.

We each carry terrible burdens in our deepest most private place

Knowing each others pain scantly veiled by a smiling face.

Appearances, strong and regal, but I know your heart is broken.

Sorrow screams in silence through words that can’t be spoken.

Beaten down and yet still you strive with your head held high,

Never defeated, refusing to let anyone confiscate your pride.

Careful not to invade your space, I often pass without speaking

Yet I’m curious and concerned as to which dreams you are seeking.

So much struggle we have endured for so long

So many setbacks we keep to ourselves for the sake of appearing strong.

We each continue along our separate paths

Faces hard and unable to laugh 

Oblivious to the irony of how our destiny is connected to one another

Strangers by name, but an oppressive heritage bonding us as brothers.

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