Two poems from Georgia
by Kenneth N. Powell
Although we remain conscious of past events described,
Justice postponed even a second is still justice denied.
Like the rivers of the Nile, Black blood is constantly flowing
And it pains me greatly to realize how many of us are still not knowing.
What I sit back to realize what’s really real
Is how brothers could so blatantly disrespect our Black liberation
Elders like Dhoruba Bin Wahad and Black Panther founding father Bobby Seale?
How can you not pay homage to who came before?
But I at least seek some solace in knowing that the O.G. Hugo Pinell
Shall suffer injustice no more.
It is also beautiful to witness my hero Sekou Odinga finally free
After 33 years in the belly of such an insatiable beast.
To see him finally liberated physically brings hope to me.
In my thoughts and actions, I no longer live inside this ignorance bubble,
And since my conscience became liberated, I have embraced our struggle.
For it I promise to remain strong and forever stand
Because it was through this struggle that I became a man.
After reading of the assault of an elder of the game,
How can I not feel such a sadness and shame?
What the hell’s going on in the dark minds of our brothers
That makes them participate in the genocide of one of the same color?
When I look in the mirror, I shall seek to reflect
The righteous actions of one who is deserving of respect.
To the many brothers and sisters fighting to be heard,
Know that true liberation shall not be complete until justice is served.
Justice is blind, so I will seek to extend
If not a pair of bifocals, at least a set of contact lenses.
Because without doubt, she needs her vision corrected,
And we, a nation of millions, only want freedom and our God given rights protected.
To all those who only know the lies you’ve been told,
Please understand that this war of Black oppression shall never grow old.
Although the bones of freedom may become brittle and not so strong,
We must embrace and implement this wisdom to push it along.
I through conscious thoughts and actions do pay tribute
To my respected elders, Dr. Willie Ratcliff, Queen Mother Mary and others at Bay View.
Much love and respect to my Growth and Development Nation
Because it was through the vision that I gained a foundation,
So through the vision of such a sage chairman, I shall endeavor
To represent a most righteous organization. Peace, love and respect
To Chairman Mr. Larry B. Hoover of Growth and Development Nation.
Forever in the vision …
Upon reflection
Blind lead the blind; they not trying to see the vision, man
Mass incarceration only part of a precision plan
Read in my Bay View another brother assassinated
Not trying to condemn my sister – but it’s obvious why Kamala procrastinated
I had a dream but then a brother woke up
Four Afrikans in a SS – mean mugging me and loc’d up
Infra red beam brought blood to my eyes
Man, we all Black folks, with Black souls, who deserve better lives.
Black Lives Matter is quickly becoming just another cliché
And we still trusting these greedy politicians with that she say or he say
doing it the G-way – No! I say we change that
adopt a better train of thought – that would put us all on the same track.
Freedom is a road seldom traveled by a Black dude
We defines “realness” by dying for an avenue – or represented by a tattoo
Yeah we scream “warrior” but what cause we dying for?
If we ain’t dying to come together – then what the hell we crying for?
Makes me wanna holla – because I read another one
Black mother shedding tears – screaming “justice” for her murdered son.
Ain’t nothing happening – still trying to connect the phone call
Nine times out of nine – no justice – another wrong call.
See Black blood dripping for the cheese like a nacho
Thought we’d come together since the dream – but it’s not so
Black concentration camps – population 2 mil
If I don’t give a damn about my brother – tell me a N***a who will?
Life on a treadmill – and I’m losing breath fast
This is on some other ish can’t seem to get past.
Peace to Mrs. Mary and Dr. Willie Ratcliff
for giving us the platform to speak about Black ish
Speaking of a Black ish – Happy 40th to Bay View
Love and respect for all the times that you stay’d true
I will not forget you – you represent my life saver
This kinda flavor – couldn’t be tasted by a white paper
Bay View publishers – Love you like soul food
OG Mr. Willie pretty cool representer for the old skool
So shout out to my Afrikans – all the soldiers on the West Coast
40 years in the game – Bayview – I propose a toast.
Happy 40th to the San Francisco Bay View
Dr. Ratliff,
Peace and love as well as respect to you, my honorable elder. This brief note is in relation to my undying support of you and everyone at the San Francisco Bay View: Happy 40th!
I have been held captive 23 years here at one of Georgia’s many plantations throughout the state and during my bid, I’ve met many conscious Black men from throughout the United Snakes of Amerikkka, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading and studying various literature of many different organizations and movements, but no newspaper publications could ever compare to what you all do at Bay View.
None excel at gathering and stating the facts that are vital to the people the way you all do. You truly give voice to those behind “the walls of silence” and for that you have my love, my loyalty and my utmost respect.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading and studying various literature of many different organizations and movements, but no newspaper publications could ever compare to what you all do at Bay View.
In my state of Georgia there are not many platforms of your nature, so I feel very blessed to have access to the kind of food for mental growth you provide. Thanks, Bay View, and you, Dr. Ratcliff, especially for exhibiting the love where it’s needed the most.
I look forward to my issue every month because it represents light in one of the darkest corners in the world. We all struggle the same. I’m praying you will be considering my poem for publication upon your 40th milestone because it expresses how I was feeling at the time after reading my January issue for the second or third time so far. God bless.
I look forward to my issue every month because it represents light in one of the darkest corners in the world.
Much love and respect to the truest Black publication still breathing after 40 years, SF Bay View! Happy 40th, Bay View! From the Georgia soldiers behind enemy lines, we love you.
Send our brother some love and light: Kenneth N. Powell, 767972, Hays State Prison D2-212, P.O. Box 668, Trion, GA 30755. Kenneth is “more consciously known as Am God Allah.”