Sometimes I feel as if I need to die
To make the world a better place to live.
I am not asking to be crucified.
I have only one life to give.
I do not want to be a Messiah.
I do not want to save anyone’s soul.
I’d rather be spit on like a pariah.
Eternal life has never been my goal.
I do not profess to be the only Son
My blood will not guarantee salvation.
Touching my garment’s hem will heal no one.
A black man’s death is no revelation.
Sometimes I feel as if I need to die
To save the world from the pain I hold inside.
* * * * *
Antonio Parker is a poet and a philosopher.
