John Henry and the Train of Thoughts (A Retelling of John Henry)

The train roars towards John, at a deafening rate 

Threatening to end him, sealing his fate   

He looks at the clock; it's time to rise 

Orange daggers of sun hitting his eyes   

As the train’s horn blares around him

In the bathroom he stands,toothbrush in hand 

His afro wild, thoughts being compiled: 

“For professionals, afro hair is never okay; 

that horrible,terrible cliche” 

As the train’s horn blares around him 

Sat in the kitchen there’s a plate of fried chicken 

Leftovers from yesterday’s fun 

“Of course you would like this, so says your skin” 

The train in his ear blaring at him again.

He’s ready to work against the machine 

Against the racism and bias giving it steam 

Smiling proudly, he walks out the door 

To the train station, Route 74

The horn a reminder, of the everlasting fire 

That must remain in his heart.

Or else the stereotypes of this world, large in number; 

Will surely tear him apart.