The Modern Harlem

Nico Samuels

What is The deferred dream?

Was it the muted sound of marching feet

Worn and raw from taking to the streets

time after time

looking for a broken promise

of a better yesterday

Misanthropes canceling out my brother’s good works

As they burn what’s there’s

With orator’s speaking fire and brimstone

Profiting on stagnant water

 

I leave you to your own word, Hughes

Where are you now when the sun is blazing

Devilish crust all too present

My scratches can no longer be counted.

They blister with false promises.