singing America
I realize the 4th has come and gone; guess I'm just a little behind. As a prepared myself to greet the day last Tuesday, I heard a special patriotic message on my favorite radio station. It sung the praises of all the great Americans who have made our country great - the founding fathers, immigrants, veterans. The usual. But as I listened, I realized that someone important was missing on that roll call: the slaves*. I sort of wish our country could be just a little more honest about itself sometimes. Slavery certainly wasn't a bright spot, but we wouldn't be who we are without it. So, in honor of our darker side, here's a little somethin' from one of my favorite masters of versification:
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
~Langston Hughes, 1925
*nota bene: Native Americans were not mentioned either - that's another post someday.