Grains And Tears

The river rock has long resigned

itself to cold;

where did the female crocodiles go

when fire hit the village?

Where did they go

when fire reduced the houses to stump walls?

A grain grown in tears fields

for orphans not satisfied

implored to wash their hands,

is meal of life

Go and tell them I paid the price

I stood by the truth

I fought anger and hatred

on behalf of the people.

I ate their meager meals in the barracks

shared their footsteps and tears

in freedom's name

I promised once in a slave house at Usher

to postpone dying until

the morning after freedom.

I promise.