Claude McKay and a glimmer of hope...

I watched the last full hour of Cory Booker's filibuster, and I was in tears. He is a powerful speaker, and he reminded all of us what we are: American citizens. He said, among other memorable things, "the power of the people is stronger than the people in power." That reminded me of this poem by Claude McKay, dating from the early years of last century, during the Harlem Renaissance. I hope you like it, too.

Have a good day, friends.

C

America

By Claude McKay

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,

And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,

Stealing my breath of life, I will confess

I love this cultured hell that tests my youth.

Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,

Giving me strength erect against her hate,

Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.

Yet, as a rebel fronts a king in state,

I stand within her walls with not a shred

Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.

Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,

And see her might and granite wonders there,

Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,

Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.