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Generations
by Mike LoftisMy grandfather called your grandfather nigger
Hate required more thought
than he was willing to invest
My grandfather never looked at yours and saw a man
He saw nothing but shades of his own ignorance
My father called your father colored
He often spoke of the struggle
afflicting your father and your fathers people
He never saw this burden as his own
He saw nothing but shades of his own indifference
I have for years called you my friend
My black friend
Weve shared countless hours of bonding
I yearn to see me in your face
Yet still I see shades of my inheritance
I have prayed for my own son
That he would never have a black friend
That the blindness of our generations
would be cast away and my son will know yours
only through shades of love
11/25/2008 Posted on 11/25/2008
Copyright © 2024 Mike Loftis
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 11/25/08 at 03:36 PM Mike! Being swamped today, I came through Pathetic for a peek and the comfort and joy that fills me by our poets. And when I saw this, yous, well - I had no choice but to log in. I must let you know I believe this poem ought be published in every newspaper. Beyond awe-striking, it is. Now go kiss the hand that holds your pen, and bless God who graces you with your powerful talent! |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 11/26/08 at 02:11 AM A remarkable poem! Excellent message! Perhaps the next president will help bring that to pass. There is such deep animosity among some on both sides. |
| Posted by Mara Meade on 01/11/09 at 05:58 AM "I have prayed for my own son/ that he would never have a black friend." That line is powerful. |
| Posted by Mo Couts on 06/29/11 at 01:39 AM Thank you Mike, so, so, so much for not just writing this, but sharing this...the message is powerful and beautifully expressed. |
| Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 01/13/18 at 12:43 PM Incredible. insight, Mike. A wonderfully and powerfully expressed truth from which I and the love in my life gathered and gleaned much, the veritas and caritas of which is soul altering. Simply beautiful writing and irrevocably wise. |
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