"Words Of Captive Slaves: We are Somebody"

We didn't ask to be brought to a land of hypocrisy, slavery and fear.

Yet. the insane act of our captors are still unclear.

But, I know that we are somebody

The sun's rays has bronzed our skin so nicely dark and tan.

You're pale and to get our skin color, you must roast in the sand.

I have nothing on this earth to fear, because we're somebody

And God is always there.

All I know is, we are somebody

When we both get cut or bruised on our hand or head

Both our blood still runs bright red.

When we was hungry for food, you made us eat with the animals

And sometimes we didn't get no food at all.

But Our dignity and integrity made us stands tall.

Whether we stand or whether we fall.

I know that we are somebody

You took advantage of our black women and made them bear your children against their will

And the thought of them birthing black and white picka - ninnies gave them chills.

We are somebody

Even though I might not be with my family, that I love so dear, it's clear

That they freed me from my constant fear.

We are somebody

Like animals you sold us, this terrible act we want forget

Even though you belittle us every chance that you get.

You will never break our spirit of true grit

But, we are somebody.

Sometimes, we may not feel like even living our life

But all you did for us was give us the extra will to fight.

Although, we're in chains, our minds are free to know, we are somebody.

Even though, you took me from my mother land, Africa

Where I was content to live

You took me as a slave against my will.

You brought me to America balled and chained

You brought me to a country of hard work, misery and pain.

But it still remains the same, we are somebody

You made us bow down and work your fields

And if we resisted, you were ready for the kill.

Even bound and lock down with chains, I know freedom is still our aim.

Because we are somebody.

When the good Lord and master gave us a heart that beat and lungs to breathe and a mind to think.

And never the word that we can't

Let's me know without a doubt that we are somebody.

Benny Faye Douglass (C) Copyright 2011