My People: If We Must Die Poem by Joseph Spence Sr

My People: If We Must Die:
Author's Synopsis: If We Must Die is dedicated to the memory of Claude McKay, Harlem Renaissance and Jamaican born poet)

My people if we must die:
Let it not result from, being unable to serve the cause for the betterment of humankind. Or from being denied a seat around the table, in the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

My people if we must die:
Let it not result from, anger and reprisal against each other, instead of sitting down in peace and love, to bring about God's blessings, understanding, tranquility and a true quality of life.

My people if we must die:
Let it not result from, the thirst or want of righteousness and lack of God's salvation.Like dry bones with no voice, rotting away in a valley of condemnation without God's grace.

My people if we must die:
Let it not result from, the lack of beautiful songs stimulating our souls with God's love. Radiating from the magnificent choral voices of our children, and grandchildren, immersing themselves in our great cultural heritage of wisdom, knowledge, spirituality and understanding.

My people if we must die:
Let it not result from, the agony of an unscrupulous person. Lacking God's grace and wisdom, ripping off our safety deposit boxes, and cleaning out our bank accounts, while we are tucked away in an old-folks home somewhere.

Alas, my brothers and sisters, if we must die:
Let it be after, and only after, our souls have passed on the renaissance knowledge of God's grace, blessings, and mercy to all humankind.

Like a shining star created by God gliding across the universe. From the East to West. One which raises aspiring heads and beaming eyes.

Opening up wondering minds, and joy filled hearts molded from God's hand. Leaving on the tongue of all who seek to reach for it…

Words of everlasting hope— "I wish!
Then, and only then, if we must die, only God in Heaven awaits us!


© Joseph S. Spence, Sr.,8/21/19
All Rights Reserved
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