Can You Imagine Being Sold At An Auction? Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Jews...
'Know from experience what it means to be victims
of collective violence.
And also because of this they are quick,
to recognize the recurring symptoms, '
Said Cantalamessa, a Franciscan priest.

~What is your response to this? ~

*About what? *

~What I just read about what's going on,
At the Vatican.~

*I'm of African-American dissent.
The atrocities against my ancestors...
Are never mentioned intentionally.
Can you imagine being sold at an auction?
Being branded like cattle?
And stripped of all identity?
Where do you want me to begin with the comparisons? *

~WHY do you always bring that up? ~

*Hmmm...
No reason.
Did you bring my ham sandwich? *