Legacy in My Lap

Blue-black memories stroke my mind

as you tell me stories that were hidden

from our roots and fruits of life.

You pause in between memories of a

single cross scorched by the peach tree

your grandparents planted one summer in

memory of their first born.

The same tree where your Uncle Henry head hung low.

You were nine at the time

and like everybody in Baton Rouge---

nobody knew the price of ole Henry’s blood

or how your brother's face greeted the waters

of the Mississippi River Delta.

You said nobody knew but the devil that

haunted his soul and the angel that prepared a

sweet chariot to swing him home.

Your worst enemy was Jim Crow.

Your greatest memory was Ruby Bridges;

‘cause all you wanted to do was learn how to

count and spell so you could teach your people.

Reach your people. Heal your people. Through God’s words.

You tell me the tables are turning again.

Be cautious of the wolves.

And to forever hold your peace.

And all I could do next was sit here---

with a legacy in my lap

and wipe your history of tears away.  

DelegantOne