thank you
for the gift of shackles
heavy metallic removal of freedom
the addition of your iron ornaments
to my wrists and ankles
was the subtraction from my native land
my home
and the introduction to my new existence
thank you
for the Bible
i was living a life of blasphemy
until you told me the story of Jesus
and how He died for you and prayed for me
showed me the righteous path
preached “your skin is sin.”
i listened to you
and trusted in Him
and repented
and repented
thank you
for my purpose
i awakened before morning star’s appearances
to work in your wicked fields
repeatedly beaten
never esteemed
frequently mistreated
at dusk you allowed me to rest
and under moonlight
i dreamed
about a life that was no longer mine
thank you
for English
i was wise in my native tongue
and became ignorant in yours
you taught me how to be common
with words
i learned to be subservient
and spoke
with bro-ken language
one night, while you were sleeping
i escaped
your gift of “purpose” prepared me
my body was strong
my mind was ready
i did not tire
i did not stop
i ran
and ran
and ran
to freedom’s destination
this place was my gift
to me
and to myself I said,
“thank you.”
* * * * *
Speaks Beliefs is a poet, a writer and a father.
© Speaks Beliefs, 2010. All rights reserved.
This poem is a part of Soul Portrait Magazine’s “30 Days of Poetry” to celebrate National Poetry Month. If you’d like to participate, please submit a poem.
