Sing The Blues

Nothing sings the blues
like truth kept in a jar
or passion doled out
from an eyedropper.

But if you keep a lid
on things too long,
the goods go sour.

And who hears
the caged bird sing
when the system is rigged
against the dark?

Isn't a bent knee better
than riots on the street?

Love it or leave it
paints the world
in black and white,
but that is not what
flapped in the wind
in the dawn's early light.

Why not lend an ear
before we raise our fists?
We lose sight of the road
we share when we
jump to conclusions.

We can sing the blues
all day long, but we will
never know the truth
until we walk that road
together.

I took this ph0to about 3 years ago at a storefront in Oroville, CA. If you look closely, you can see my reflection in the flag.

I am often surprised by what appears on the page while writing a poem. I do not usually write anything political and I had no intention to do so with this poem. I started with the opening line and was surprised when the third and fourth stanzas raised the issue of kneeling during the National Anthem.

I would rather see players take a kneel as a peaceful way of protest than to see riots in the street. What is your take on it?

Please share your thoughts and comments below