My Pledge is not Like Yours

A stage A man Enrage I can I won My fist You shun Desist Segregated Equal, separate? I am hated You are irate You require hands on our hearts Can’t know what my fist imparts My peace? I’ve been Policed Chagrined Surprise How red Your eyes Unsaid That is our plight Killed, maimed, lynched men I do what’s right Win, study, when ‘d you prove equality? Hoses, dogs, riots, pain The same? No, sir Reclaim Pride, stir Your ire Respect? Inspire Reject Until y’prove it Raise my fist high Cuff me, do it You cannot deny My name is Tommie Smith Black, living, monolith.