I’ve jumped brooms
in my blood
before I was me,
and now that I am,
I still can't be
free.
As I travel on
I need you to see
I'm walking these streets
an invisible me,
a second class
citizen
who wants to be free.
‘Though death do us
part
you won't marry me.
I’m a slave to a
system
We all know so well.
My ego's still
smarting
From Don't ask, Don't
tell.
I can't be in love,
I've no license to
be.
Though I say “I do”,
you won't marry me.
We’ve been to the
mountain top
Climbed to be free.
We’ve played by the
rules
Of the Democracy.
We will ask!
We will tell!
We will march and
raise hell!
We’ll riot and
picket,
We’ll strike and
rebel!
We’ll demand equal
rights!
We’ll demand to be
free!
By the time we have
finished,
You will marry me!
I
have dreams like my neighbors
Of
settling down
Of
snow days
And
school plays
Of
birthdays with clowns.
Of
laughter filled evenings,
My
family and me—
Of
my happy ending
When
you marry me.
©2013 Cedric L. Jones
(from the upcoming poetry book We the People)
"The Future" taken at 2011 NYC Heritage of Pride
©2013 Cedric L. Jones
