This is an ode to the blueprints of the next generation
The never should have beens that made it
The collage drop outs who started something worth millions
The varsity graduates with honors and unemployment
To the ones with study loans and outstanding fees
All actively making an effort to contribute to society positively
To contribute to a society that devalues your achievements
What is the meaning of black excellence
When ghosts of the roads you traveled to reach it haunt your pockets?
This is for the dark winged angels who never get to testify
Drug dealers who got out and the kids who avoided them
Go out make sure others make the same decision
To the single fathers who are good testimonies but will never get shine because “men are trash” even when we do right
And our skin color doesn’t make it any easier
They change focus from not being there to not having enough
My black brothers I beg you, please don’t give up
I hail my single mothers doing it with their legs closed
Prayer books open and knowing the goal, staying focused
That without guidance our youth is hopeless
The world is silent about you but know that some of us do notice
This is a thank you from the ones who conquered by means of hand me downs
Who thrived despite fathers who were never there or mothers who never cared
Who had nothing more than a wish and a prayer and appreciated atchar as a salad
Who never used personal tragedies as a handicap
Those who understood they were loaning their clothes from someone not born yet and that black tax is the interest
Those who never needed to be told but understood their parents were desperate
Those who never wasted opportunity
And when they did, they got back up and found a legal way to catch up and succeed
For those who had to grow up before their prime
Forced to adopt your siblings or take care of your parents because no one responsible was around at the time
Had to make sacrifices before you had anything worth offering
As I pen this stanza, my heart is crying
Because your childhood is a nonexistent memory
Life had you play mommy and daddy rather early
And whether or not they smile when they say your name
You will never hide your face in shame
Jade Novelist ©️ 2017