On the Backs

On the backs of slaves
marked the stories untold
the men and women
raising a nation as it unfold
taken from a land they no longer will know
to a place where their spirits could not be sold.

On the backs of a people
burdened with fear
wrestling to find their purpose to care
for what was stolen
they fought to this day
to create a new purpose
and live in the remains.

On the backs of a nation
a people divide
resting on traditions,
built on lies
where the stripes go hidden
as to the necks they seek
yet we press towards the mark
in prayer on bended knees.

O. Stephen Peart. 2021 © All rights reserved

About this Poem
When you think about the brutality placed on people, placed into slavery, one wonders how senseless a civilization we can be.  The unconscionable attitude, actions and behaviour goes beyond reason and grounds of justification. As I reflect on how Jesus was treated during the crucifixion process, it reminds me how little things have changed.  Christ died that we might live. He paid the price of our sin so that we have an opportunity to be forgiven. 

Yet time and time again, to this day we see that behaviour carried out. However in our heart of heart, we press towards the mark. We stand tall and strong, for we know that our redeemer lives, and there will come a day of reckoning.