the new slaves

It used to be,
Afros and Dashikis.
Black Berets and Power Fists.

Now its,
Tattoos and Silicone.
Blond Wigs and Ego Trips.

You see,
a Real Nigga is
the new Black and Proud.
The new peaceful March on Washington,
The new Railroads Underground.
The new Lindy Hops till bodies drop,
The new Soul Trains to James Brown.

We’ve been got!
Swindled!
Hoodwinked!
Led astray!

Like our ancestors.

Like our ancestors
ancestors, who prayed
that their great great
grandchildren wouldn’t
have to live their life in chains.

Well...
It used to be.