someday in poetry

in John Brown’s day
before he moldered in his grave
it was assumed he was insane
for thinking slavery could end
so I’m raising up a toast
to madwomen and madmen

because we will overcome
we will indeed overcome
we will overcome someday
but never forget that “someday” part
everyone forgets the “someday” part
we will overcome SOMEDAY
it might well be gradual
it might work at a pace almost casual
but sometimes that’s the only way
to change how the dug-in people feel
history shows that’s sometimes part of the deal
it might not stick if you just flip a switch
it isn’t pleasant, it’s kind of a bitch
but that’s how it works down here on the pitch

yes, there was a fix
there was a fix from the begin
a certain extent of the fix was always in
but this aftermath is ours for negotiation
pick up the tatters and preserve what we can
of a beaten but still breathing nation
we can do this but it might take time
not just one protest
not just one clever sign
don’t give up because you can’t immediately get your way
madwomen and madmen
WE will overcome we WILL overcome we will OVERCOME
…someday

Last updated July 28, 2016