OF THESE TIMES

History hasn’t changed that much,
for Black folk or poor folk
who are tryin’ to upstroke
in the good ole’ USA.

Katrina brought out in the open
Old issues they tried to put to rest.
Television caught what they tried
hard to hide.
Just like back in 1955.

In ‘55’ they were
beatin’, burnin’ and hangin’
Blacks who were rightly trying
to live, work and vote,
Most were just barely survivin’.

Today they try to hide the atrocities
Brought on by some rich folks greed;
Levies they knew were bound
to break, floods that kill
they would create.

Quick to rescue the Florida rich
they cannot afford to offend
those who attend to our nations
politics who’s views are hard to bend.

The Bible says see to the poor.
As you open your doors
Blessings will flow.
presidents don’t visit them;
senators ignore them;
ambulances are slow to arrive;
the police just barely tolerate; and
too often they’re left to stagnate.

Drugs, gangs, and most violence
start in the poorest, congested
parts of any town.
Could’a nipped them in the bud,
Before the spill of blood, before the flood;
Before the flood of violence and neglect,
Before the broken spirits
just gave up and quit.

First, take care of poor folks
here at home,
nip the problems in the bud.
Problems don’t multiply as fast
when they’re dealt with and recognized.

You’re being advised, take some pride.
Stop tryin’ to hide or forget
where most of our talent, genius
and national icons come from –
the poor parts of town.

God Bless the USA.

By, Jay Johnson © 2005