I came across this interesting piece of inspiration from a time and era where African Americans (black folks) had little in the way of equality in America. Yet it could be said we earned a greater stake than many would every consider claiming. From heritage to work ethic, the pride and enjoyment of simply being – the black man, black men and women (African Americans) have used their wit and humor and yes faith to sow and see the seed of hope grow into the fruit many enjoy today.
A Black Man Talks of Reaping
A Poem by Arna Bontemps
I have sown beside all waters in my day.
I planted deep, within my heart the fear
that wind or fowl would take the grain away.
I planted safe against this stark, lean year.
I scattered seed enough to plant the land
in rows from Canada to Mexico
but for my reaping only what the hand
can hold at once is all that I can show.
Yet what I sowed and what the orchard yields
my brother’s sons are gathering stalk and root;
small wonder then my children glean in fields
they have not sown, and feed on bitter fruit.
Arna Bontemps, “A Black Man Talks of Reaping” (1926). Copyright 1926 by Arna Bontemps.
published at http://www.poetryoutloud.org/poem/176999
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