I Am Black Poem by Leslie Alexis

The soil took from me as much as I could give.
It took to mimic me, but left enough that I’ll live.
It took to make mountains, lakes, rivers and seas;
The ridges of my back are molded in eternities.

Africa is my homeland and I am the lion.
My birthright is that of the children of Zion.
I’ve fallen off the path but I am redeemed.
And I would succeed because I have a dream.

A dream planted in the hearts of my children.
A dream whose completion has been written
In the gold that lines streets in the sky.
Ask me who I am and I will gladly reply:

I AM BLACK! The black of the ink on this page.
The black which shines on field, court and stage.
The black of the soil and oil man depends on.
I am the black of my daughters and sons.

Copyright © 2011 Leslie Alexis