LOVE OF LITERATURE AND HISTORY
Written by C Hues
September 28, 2022
You can play classical instead of rap, lacrosse instead of track But there it takes its toll, tattooed on your back No matter what you do, no matter what you say The target will remain—you can’t wish it away Something sinister shadowing, steady stalking slow A sudden shot, a strike against you, a very low blow Because your hair or what you wear or speaking up in class Are just excuses the bigots use to paint the target on your ass
Written by C Hues
September 23, 2022
“You are my oldest friend” That’s how I knew we reached the end Not even “brother” or “best” What’s worn on one’s sleeve is closer to another’s chest An old friend is worse than any antagonist There are enough enemies—you expect enmity But the reminder of the bond that used to exist Breaks our peace and severs serenity
Written by C Hues
September 22, 2022
The old folks say we got it made Every second we seem to suffer some slight Slaves denied the right to read and write And as the tree grows—the memories fade But the truth is that we still endure Our ancestors were rich and poor Indigenous, whites, and blacks Our blood drew blood straight from our backs Not all Ancestors pass on genes But do they tie us to our fate? Are we simply the branches seen And they the roots we can’t relate? An Ancestor is family—they protect and provide Family who came before And anyone can give DNA before they’ve died But an Ancestor is Pride
Written by C Hues
September 21, 2022
Today’s the time to take control Lady Luck has saved this loser’s soul I played the ticket and fought off fate And now I’ll pay off debts of late No more stress from daughter’s tuition Cash to spend on son’s superstition Wife says we should buy the house But I think I’d like a brand-new spouse Flout my flashy foreign car Got some more—complete the set Dressin’ like a movie star Now I’m in even bigger debt Looks like I got too lax Forogt to pay tax after tax And now I owe more than I bought The lottery was all for naught
Written by C Hues
September 18, 2022
“There is a tradition that towers above those unlike us. We don’t care for your kind, but if you can so kindly Stay and we’ll put your face in front of every picture Make sure there’s at least one always visible, but not seen Any accusations against a holy place will surely be absurd We wouldn’t dare hurt a fly, crucify our own We’re all equal here and things have never been better Diversity! We’ve got folks from Jersey and Philly and Florida And Jersey and Philly and Florida and Jersey and Philly and Florida and Jersey and Philly and Florida and Jersey and Philly and Florida…”