MY LAST NIGHT
_________

As I lay in my bed, enchanted in dreams -
I was abruptly awakened by shouts and screams.
     Screams of my children from the next room -
     Screams of agony ! - fear ! - and gloom!

Sound of the hoofs echoing in the night -
The rumbling sound of horses - a sure cause for fright!
     I trembled to my window and there they stood! -
     Each on his horse - Each wearing a hood.

The leader of the group pointed a stick at me -
As he exclaimed, "You Nigger! -You Nigger! - come out and see"
     "Come out and see the cause of your fright" -
     "Come out you Nigger - Come out and fight!"

"What had I done to invoke such hate?" -
"What had I done? Is this my fate!?"
     With fear gripping me - close to the floor -
     I trembled and shook, to the front door.

There they were, with eyes in a daze -
Holding a cross and setting it ablaze.
     A blinding flash of light was directed at me -
     I splattered against the wall and could no longer see.

I could no longer see the men in the hood -
I’d get up and fight - if only I could!
     The warm liquid covered the floor -
     As my wife and children stood at the door.

The life of my body vanished that night -
If only I could I’d stand up and fight!
     Why did these people do this? Do this to me?
     My only sin was a longing - a longing to be free.

Barnum Taylor © 1997