To Malcom x

I am from a Fractured home,

where i watched my mother go crazy before my eyes.

I am built of foster homes:

constructed of unfamiliar beds,

strangers' hands,

foundations of paper work

to hand me down

to the next home.

I am from 7 years behind bars:

concrete walls,

hand cuffs,

uniforms,

a tray of familiar food.

I am from a father of hatred

who liked me best because my skin color was the lightest.

I am from a pilgrimage to mecca

and having a mesage not just for afrian americans,

but for ALL RACES.

I am from four daughters

whom i cannot protect

and a tear stainded wido whim i pray still loves me.

I AM FROM THE TEXT BOOKS

THAT HAVE WRITTEN ME DOWN,

FROM THE PAGES THAT WILL REMEMBER ME ALWAYS

AS A MAN UNAFRAID TO SPEAK THE TRUTH.