Brother Mine Poem by Raymond Garfield Dandridge

Prejudice with venom smote every word and act;
Snuffed was the light of knowledge from your view.
Unbefriended martyr, sole object of attack,
Has your fair brother fairly dealt with you,
Brother mine?

Upon defenseless womanhood he preyed;
Then freely chatteled blood one half his own.
Just punishment has only been delayed;
'Tis written; 'Ye shall reap as ye have sown,'
Brother mine.

In doctored balance Justice balanced you;
In your defense her vengeful sword ne'er stirred;
Courts of Law, barring facts, basing guilt on hue,
Condemned you, ere the evidence was heard—
Brother mine.

Your constant prayer that you might prove your worth
For equal right to struggle, live, and die,
So long unheard, unheeded, here on earth,
Found audience in One beyond the sky—
Brother 'mine.

'Vengence is Mine, I will repay!' so saith the Lord.
Thusly assured, rail not at destiny.
To righteousness He promised just reward;
And to the bondman promised Liberty—
Brother mine.