The government is out to get us: ‘They want us penniless, powerless and voteless in chains’
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country,” JFK famously said. But what happens when your country appears out to get you?
They want us erased, misplaced and defaced.
Begging, stressing and wishing.
They want us frightened, unenlightened and fighting for scraps.
They want us silenced, compliant and reliant.
Sleeping, weeping and disbelieving
They want us bitter, bested and broken in spirit.
They want us defeated, deported and demoralized.
Praying, hoping and waiting.
They want us penniless, powerless and voteless in chains.
They want us retreating, receding and fleeing.
Crying, sighing and oh why’ing
They want us forgiving, forgetful and forbearing again.
Not. This. Time
This piece appears in the Jan./Feb. edition of the Black Iowa Newspaper. Pick up a copy statewide.
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