Inspired by Luke 4:14-30 and current/historical events

     

       There was a lot of fights 
       Between the black and white 
       There was nothing you could do … 

       "Son, take a good look around 
        This is your hometown" 

           —  Bruce Springsteen

 

 

I. 

The patriot is forever a pessimist 
       Always thinks it’s him against the world 

Always has it out for the have-nots 
       & the placeless 

Isn’t content with his parcel 
       Wants a part in the whole lot 

His god is monochrome, small 
       Set up in the corner 

Of the courthouse 
       In the county seat 

Alongside a Bible 
       No one ever reads 

With a sign that reads 
       WHITES ONLY 

 

II. 

Muhammad Ali was born here.
      They say he dodged the draft.

They should’ve dodged him,
      But they couldn’t stand 

A black champion,
      A slave descendent so outspoken.

So, they did what 
      The majority always does:

Force the very law they broke 
      To get where they are 

Upon him.
      So, he changed his name,

Disgusted with the Clay 
      He sprang from, 

Forging his way 
      With the fists 
That never missed—

Feet faster than 
      Elvis’ lily-white hips.

The King died a junkie;
      They both got a museum.

______________         

June 23, 2020