Who Knew

Who Knew


I come from a town, all cozy and white,
Where blacks never stayed the night,
But no one knew the lodging they withdrew.

I come from a house where the fall garden slumbers,
Past raspberries, strawberries, squash and cucumbers,
But no one knew it was fed from the sewers.

I come from a kitchen where Mom was the head,
From vast banquettes to snacks on homemade bread,
But no one knew her dreams without debut.

I come from a religion of brimstone sermons,
Right or wrong paths, choose and be human,
But no one knew which path was doom.

I come from a family of trust and love,
In faith, dreams and guidance from above,
But no one knew the trials reality threw.

I come from a profession where we launched a craft,
To traverse great distances vast and fast,
While everyone knew, to deliver death to a few.

I come to the pen to write a sad story,
It's not from regret or to say I'm sorry,
But to wish a few before I am gone,
That I was someone you're glad you knew.

January 26, 2008