EDLP 700

EDLP 700 Effective Learning Networks

I AM POEM

I am the first born
a survivor of pneumonic ice baths
broken fever, mind/heart intact
a child of the Oatmeal Flat
an Elm City protege

I am the prodigal son
of Catholic institutions
nurtured by an enclave
of maternal aunts
and Pentacostal grandparents

I am the one
segregated from public schools
integrated into parochial hypocrisy
liberated by afrohindu philosophy

I am a witness
of domestic violence
apartheid education
and the proverbial struggle
of a single mother

I am the student
who spoke out against injustice
while searching for an escape
from mythological disparities

I am the visionary inspired by
Earth, Wind, and Fire, Santana
Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye,
Bob Marley, Sun Ra, and
maternal uncles who transcend
societal and cultural
limitations

I am a soul
aspiring to be one
with the Supreme Being

I am here
to alleviate violence,
racism, and injustice

I am a disciple
on the underground railroad
seeking freedom and justice

I am a son, father, husband,
grandfather, teacher, brother,
friend, colleague, uncle,
student, cousin, activist,
servant leader

I AM THE DRUM!

Summer 2011