A Poetic Tribute to Black History Month

by J.B. Banks and Henry L. Jones

Image Credit: Henry L. Jones

February is National Black History Month. A time to recognize, celebrate and embrace the collective contributions of African Americans through literature, awareness programs, and events on local and national levels.

Accordingly, here are a few creative pieces authored by Black artists, dealing with the African American experience — for your edification and enjoyment.

 

LIKE WINE, WE RARE

Defiant hair,

Undeniable flair,

"Attitude" to spare,

Like wine

We rare,

 

Full hips

More-than-our-share lips,

Skin that's been

Sun Kissed,

 

Like wine,

We rare,

 

Sassy and bold

Breaking the mold,

Our greatness untold,

 

Like wine,

We rare

 

(C) 2006 J.B. Banks

 

 

From Menes to Madness

Days of black glory

When the gods counted our eyes

as we slept

our praises and songs

turned into savage grunts

by nomads

who roamed the fields

for corn and bloody meat

as we counted the stars

after thousands of years

what remains?

broken noses

of our nation builders

defaced and defamed

to leave white images

as the only form of beauty.

 

(C) 2008 Henry L. Jones

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