“America, Please Learn From The Scars Of History”
by Chip Williford
Looking back and knowing where we’ve come from
At all the obstacle that have been placed in our way
The hangings, the torture, even the many mysterious killings of some
makes me wonder how am I even alive, sane and here today
I will never forget the stories told by my parents and grandparents
about the sacrifice our ancestors made
Not that long ago When they were captured, chained, shackled together, and shipped
Across the ocean, far away in a stockade
You know, It really wasn’t that long ago
Even if they try to silence me by cutting off my tongue and ears
My eyes will always tell the stories of (the) oppressed fears
Our stories, our fears:
The fear of being stripped down naked
Tied, whilst stinging lashes thrust upon our rears
While questioning, questioning the existence of God ever being there
Making us pray that god was here and wishing, Yes, wishing this ole life’s End was near
***
We are the proud descendants of those who were treated worse than barren dirt
Our fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers were Beaten, Bought, Sold, Rented And Traded
No Words could Ever excuse Our Hurt
Everything about us they told us was Hated
Slave owners didn’t care about Separating A Black African Man from his family
They were only concerned with their own satisfaction, status, wealth
To them we were all just a commodity
They didn’t give a damn how we felt
I will not be quite, get over it, nor will I forget
That’s right, as long as I can still remember
And as long as I have breath, I will tell our stories:
***
My great grandfather’s father, Peter, was born enslaved
With a value of five hundred thirty-eight dollars he was appraised
Listed As property, right there on the Inventory sheet of slave owner, Allen T. Overby, recently deceased
Negro boy Peter, Bequeath, to Another slave owner
I shame by Not mentioning their name
To whom he was released.
At the very early age of seven, Peter was separated from his family
Peeled violently from the loving arms of his weeping mother Jenny
Snatched, shirt soaking wet with the tears of his brothers, Frank age 4 And two-year-old Joe
Did Peter ever see his family again? I don’t know.
***
Slavery,
Poisoned Heirloom
Passed down from one generation to the next generation, beginning at birth Living their entire lives, most times with little or no hope at all in sight
America,
Words are inadequate to describe or excuse our hurt
No matter what they say or feel about Slavery
Slavery, Just wasn’t right!
***
I will continue to tell our stories, I will not forget:
With wide eyes filled with festering hatred, coming from all directions, closely gathered did they band
By the blazing dirt with babies in their arms and youngins held tightly by the hand
Screaming and yelling “Nigger” as they dragged me by my feet
Delivering my reckoning, while still I weep.
She was forced to spread her young trembling legs
As we cried, pleaded and begged as we bled.
Fire burns high rapidly, loudly when generously kindled with seasoned timber of hate
No one escaped unscathed,
There was no place to run, There was no place to hide,
There was no place sacred, No place was Safe.
What a damn shame!
***
Look, there’s still time to start healing from the scars of history but, by first, Telling the truth.
Yes The Truth! The reality: this nation, The land of the free,
Was formed, founded and is still being governed
With ideology embedded in racism, sexism and other cruel and in-humane atrocities
***
You see, Native American Genocide and Slavery
Are just two of the Many deep scars in America’s History doused in blood and tears,
Evoking painful memories with significance too important not to hear
America, will you ever learn From the scars of history?
***
Now, here we are in the 21st century,
Are things really much better? “Hell No!”
Our judiciary system has gone completely insane
Which only makes me realize that although some things have changed
There are still … just too many things that have remained the same
And we are the ones left …again with immeasurable pain.
While evil and unjust people in the highest office remain
We will all be limited as to what we will gain
***
Yes, We must continue to vote! March! stand up! and to speak out Loudly for what is right
But for how long will we have to live and fight
Those who think they are better than all of us, simply, because their skin is white?
I hate the thought of being shot down because of the color of my skin
But I will always remember, no Unfortunately, I am constantly reminded, when I walk out my door,
That’s the cruel reality all black men are in.
Will it ever end or must we all die
Before god pay’s attention to our desperate cry?
America, will you please learn from our horrid past, and not lose sight?
***
Any action fueled with Hate, Homophobia, Sexism, Racism, White Supremacy Ideology…
Just isn’t right!
Separating children from their parents and family members at the southern boarders.
Denying basic needs and Treating people inhumanly.
Just isn’t right!
Making and enforcing laws designed to disproportionately put and keep Black People and People of Color…
In Prison, Disenfranchised, Depressed and Oppressed…
Just isn’t right!
Killing our Black men, women and children while No One is being held accountable
Just isn’t right!
Please, Please Learn and let’s heal from the scars of history
America, Please don’t lose sight!
***
Based on the notion…
If this idea of “America”
Truly being “The Great Nation” “Land Of The Free”
Then Liberty, Equality and Justice
Must be Inclusive
Yes, Inclusive…
Including people who look like You and Me.