A look at the world in this moment
Read Brian Sankarsingh's latest poem about...well maybe you should just read this one
It is apparent that my poetry is born out of angst, given our present zeitgeist. I have come to accept that as my own cursed reality. I can write poetry about love and rainbows, but it never flows from my brain to the page as when I write about the other side of the human condition. The darker, seedier, and often more hateful side. Here I can plumb the depths of our collective depravity; here I can explore the sin that sits on our shoulder or stains our hearts. Yet, it is also here that the optimist in me cannot help but break through and hope - or pray? - for a better tomorrow.
Is there a hierarchy to my identity One that diminishes my humanity Does my race or status count against me Making me less of what I should be If I identify as L G B or T Black, Brown or from a migrant community Does that make me first Black, gay, and then human My friend can you see the cause of my confusion Humanity comes first all labels aside That’s where my inherent rights will reside If we can accept that single condition There should never be cause for division Human to human we can have a discussion In disagreements no repercussions Assuming our humanity is equally shared With all other labels left undeclared Insisting that my sexuality changes who I am That my colour or culture is not worth a damn Implying that I belong to a much lower class Instead makes you out to be vulgar and crass Your religion says we were made in his image No matter our race, our creed or heritage But your hate blinds you to this fact Your hate is what drives you to attack You cannot espouse a “religion of love” While treating people with steel armoured gloves You must show love for all humanity Else you do not believe in "Christianity" The line of demarcation is clear Be true to yourself, in your belief be sincere You believe in your races' supremacy Justified by your fabricated theosophy This is what fuels your rage in this moment Yet it will not provide you with any atonement You’ve played all your hands in this hateful game Now all the world will remember your name What you think you have won will count as your loss There will come a time, you will bear that cross Then you will shout to the world “Oh why me?” Writhing and flailing and seeking mercy And it will be offered for we are forgiving It is true in the present as it was in the beginning For we understand that our humanity Will never survive despite your disunity
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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