Shorn Sharer
by
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Why must America persist on holding onto a corrupted, manufactured representation of the dark soul?
. . .
...Too often was America’s "promise" given. Too often was it rescinded. The Word, on the other hand, held out a promise non retractable, one that did not fail to nurture the hopes of this medley of Black souls, allowing the many shades of secreted aspirations to flourish within each dark bosom. Thus, unjust "levies" must not be allowed to crush the budding of tender hopes--thereby corrupting the earnest representation of the dark soul.
This maligned soul holds onto a promise of the Word that "grew" out of the Ancient World during times of antiquity. In that distant world are there two brothers remembered by God. Though God has given his promise to both theses "seeds" of Abram--the Arab and the Jew, yet are we all too eager to ‘gift" total support to the latter, while insisting on a state of "non existence" fore the former, that elder brother.
Presently is there a strange parallel between America’s support in the East for the one and the "lax" of support for the other, with regard to her response to souls within her own borders--in particular, souls held as being "outside" her "gifts." The dark soul in America falls within this "design." Is he "locked" into America’s personally defined status of "non deserving."
Thus is this writing more of an attempt to "share" the thoughts and dreams of a Black people who has struggled under the whip, then at the side, of white America. During times of war and threat of war--not unlike within the lands of Palestine and Israel --is the Black population of America called upon, "counted on" to respond in America’s oviances of security and wel-being. During times of peace and "plenty," however, this same dark soul is readily "counted out."
What is "rightful," what is "deserving" is not a defining grace left to the whims of man, but is reserved unto God alone. However, within the purview of the will of governments to regulate and maintain its citizenry, let America do more than utter a "promise;" let her remember the "least" within her borders; let her recall these words:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
In regard to this writing, it is hoped that, perhaps, a truer treatment of this maligned dark soul, herein presented, foibles in tact, may foster better understanding towards this much depreciated people. Thus, some true reign of freedom, perhaps, may engage even the least of America’s citizenry, America’s dispossessed. Might this dispossess to make confession, it shall be thus: All joys, comforts of this great country I continually seek. With a hearty heart I breathe in, embracing--prodded on with the desire for more, acceptance, inclusion. Yet do I sleep and dream about reveling in her possibilities...my America--and hopeful to awaken to...the American Dream!
. . .
Concerning The Role Of Government
Elements of "class struggle" and isolation permeate this ("Mr. Chapman") poem--American or no. "Design" has cleaved a gulf between the two classes. Yet, is it by God’s hand or man’s. If God has appointed governments as charge d’affairs over the affairs of men--and has, in deed, "ordained" them as legal and, perhaps, moral "lights"--to direct such earthly affairs...and moral temperance, then what might "countrymen" expect from their guardians; how might men respond?
America’s forefathers sought to design a broad based governing power with "checks and balances" that should guarantee and secure the rights and privileges of the American people--and all within her borders.
Historically, however, governments have been known to "hammer" the ant and "pet" the gorilla. Thus, an evidential measuring element may be necessary. The best measuring rule for a receptive, responsive government is that of "trying times." When circumstances become difficult for its citizenry, does the government "feel their pain"?
Conversely, is there set in place a "Rule of law" that automatically gives the "ruling body" a pay increase, yet conversely drags its citizenry (paining for relief) through weeks--months--of debating, heaping up contention and divisiveness in the stalling of an across-the-board "cost of living increase" at the rate of three dollars over the span of two long years.
How is it that the ruling body secures for itself pensions and "perks," benefits of health and home maintenance, as the American "middle class" continues to "shrink"; as America’s "fixed income" population (the aging and the poor) must depend on the charitable, giving heart of the citizenry or fall victim to neglect? How is it that the ruling body welcomes always itself to the "well" to be refreshed, to the "horn of plenty" to stock up to over filling it personal pantry, while these same leaders during trying times "encourage" the rest of America to tighten its belt--and be American enough to sacrifice?
Does this type of response appear beneficial to its citizenry? Does it suggest a receptiveness to a divine appointment? Here in America are we familiar with the "popular" thought of "the haves and the have-nots." For the majority of us, this thought is directed toward that little admitted to "class system"--yes, in the land of freedom and equality. Yet, it is evident (Biblical or otherwise) that leadership dictates and controls the immediacy and the availability of life in all cultures. If there appears to be an influenza of "haves and have-nots" at present, one can only assume that it "trickled down" from America’s top, leading positions.
However, when "trickle down" is no longer an anomaly but "policy," first are privileges removed, following next are the "rights." And the populace, as in the case of Mr. Capman, is left frustrated, isolated, and denied. A response, an expectancy is not a course to ignore, deny, nor "lock away" as a sacrifice. What should the individual expect from its governing body, how should the citizenry respond? America has provided for her people--and all within her borders--the Constitution. Expect a "living" Constitution
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About the Book
Has the "Golden Rule" been overruled by present-day politics? Is the American Dream no longer an attainable prize for the Black American...or, presently, any American? This poetic discourse, SHORN SHARER, is a mirror held up to present-day America, as America’s Black population sees its struggle for the American Dream having once again become a dream deferred. SHORN SHARER is a blend of poetry and frank discourse, as related mainly to the concerns of America’s Black population. It has found its way upon your shelves because that spirit in America, which continually allows the death and dying about the world to be redressed with a footnote only, confounded my soul. Presently, has that spirit locked up the ballot box and struck links of constriction upon the rights of the American people and upon the glory of America – a glory true Americans had garnered in our behalf, had placed tenderly in our keeping. Presently, perhaps, the Spirit, leading from the Divine, has returned, touching many voices. Thus, as of the many, do I offer this voice of concern – SHORN SHARER.
About the Author
When I was growing up in the South, it was life as usual. A fellow went through the routine of getting an education, joining the Service, possibly attaining some semblance of a higher education, but most importantly, selecting a vocation. So, from public education, I joined the Army. This was during the Viet Nam era. Throughout my tour of duty, I hauled about my portable typewriter, my guitar, and my paints. Should a person surmise from this listing that I had a personal interest in writing, music, and art, he or she would be correct. Yes, when growing up in the South, and following the routine, I managed to lock in the first two items on the list – education and duty of service to country. Yet, vocation was a horse of a different color. Although I cherished my love for the guitar and the Beatles, I set aside my music interest. Also had I interests in writing and art, from which I chose art upon which to manage a vocation. But what of vocation – what shall it to be? Of course, in my neighborhood, the South, vocation meant service to man, or, on a higher level, service to God. The impetus for work, striving, places the emphasis for doing upon the needs of another – not upon self. I chose to teach. This choice, of course, meant attaining higher knowledge. It meant preparation of a special type, meant securing certificates and licenses. Knowing this, I strove to do acquire the necessary items and experiences. As things developed, first would I become an art teacher; later requiring ever higher learning. Thus would I become an art/English teacher – with credentials in reading. In each case, was ever the middle school my heart of hearts. Yet, it would not last. Again was I made to consider – and to reconsider. I left my teaching position, then back to higher education – this time it was something of which I wanted no part. This was the course of the divinity – a theological program in Atlanta, Georgia. Unto this way did I apply self and soul, but my spirit longed for my heart of hearts. I left. I left to reclaim my art, my writing, and my music. Presently, am I soaking up the flavors of the West, residing in eastern Wyoming, in the historic city of Sheridan – the through way for east coast to west coast. Perhaps, one may go in either direction, if this is the suggestion. For, presently, matters within our American borders are in need of attending to. Presently, have my soul become confounded by the spirit in America allowing the death and dying about the world to be redressed with a footnote only. Presently, has this spirit locked up the ballot box and struck links of constriction upon the rights of the American people and upon the glory of America – a glory true Americans had garnered in our behalf, had placed tenderly in our keeping. Presently, perhaps, the Spirit, leading from the Divine, has returned. Thus, presently, have I addressed this Spirit and a select number of America’s concerns relating to Black American aspirations within the writings of SHORN SHARER.