Our Backs

On the backs of our people

On the backs of our people

On the backs of our people

On the backs of our people

When we stand up you fall off

When we stand up you fall off

You rode for free

Our attainment panics you

Our ascent is demoralizing to you

Our articulation still surprises you

History discredits your truth

History quiets your lies

As we rise you reach

As we rise, we teach

As we rise your truth becomes the lie

Your beliefs confuse you

Our beliefs confuse you

Four hundred years was not a big enough lead

Our backs could not be broken

Our heads could not remain bowed

The shoulders, the shoulders

When we stand, we are taller

As we stand, you can’t ride

As we stand, you can’t reach the shoulders

The shoulders are not for you

Published by Tracey Wallace

2 comments on “Our Backs”

  1. “As we rise your truth becomes the lie..” & “Four hundred years was not a big enough lead..” are two power-filled lines that speak to our innate design & mandate to be the light & royalty in the earth we were created to be. Absolutely love this piece!

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