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The “N” Word
by
Kathy L Martin
For far too long
Black people were called the “N” word
It is the most degrading name,
I have ever heard.
Not only is it used by whites
but sometimes we blacks are guilty all the same
To call our own people this vile word
now that is a shame.
It was a slave word of hate
Used by the Master with their whips and chains
They couldn't think of nothing else to call us,
so they call us out of our names
We were robbed of our freedom
Our dignity stole
We were just that “N” word
People without a soul.
We were hung with nooses
Beaten until we had scars
We were branded like cattle
With hot iron bars.
Our necks were chained tightly
felt like it could break
The pain was so enduring
Didn't know how much more we could take.
Our children were sold
Our women were raped
The men were castrated
Our feet cut off if we tried to escape
Now in this modern day world
We say the “N” word without remorse or shame
Forgetting about those who suffered
And called that very name.
The “N” word is a word
Used every day
It is in our vocabulary
In almost every sentence we say.
We must destroy this word
And bury it like we bury the dead
It should never roll off the tongue of anyone
Or be floating around in our head.
We black people have fought so long and hard
To get the respect we deserve
But how can we get it
If we cannot respect ourselves enough not to use that “N” word.
© Kathy L Martin 2007
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