Before Forty After 9/11
Poems From the Heart (Land)
by
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The Paradox: (W-white B-black) W. Is it true, what they say about those people at that table? Why do they sit over there, when they can sit with us? B. Why must we assimilate, why can’t we just be us? I don’t understand this fuss; what should it matter if I could sit with Whites or Blacks – and I choose the latter? W. Don’t you understand, we must be unified you see, so the Beast, Racism, will soon cease to be B. When will you people understand, we have nothing against you, it’s just that you try to kill our culture - - and that will never do. W. What is this you say? You’re free in every way; we have no chains on you, nor are you bound, too. B. It’s more than what you say, we’re not free in every way, the economy binds our hands; the government steals our lands; and you tell me all I have to do is sit next to you; who are you trying to screw? W. Don’t blame me for this system, it was here before I was born. I would like to be your friend and end this series of doom. B. You say you want to be my friend?! Help change this system which never ends, which feeds upon your people, too; let’s change this system, me and you. W. We can change this system, sure we can, for each and every man; but all I’m asking of you, is could you be my friend too? B. That is not a simple question to ask. I see it as an awesome task, for after all the things your race has done - - you say, "Let’s be buddies!" "Let’s have some fun!" W. I cannot claim total innocence for my race; certain things my race has done makes me want to hide my face. But please, listen to what I have to say. "Why must your people segregate - - in each and every way?" I know the whites have their faults, too. But what makes BLACKS so special? Won’t you tell me? Yes, please do. B. To explain the injustices to our race would take an infinity, much more time than you and I would ever see. For you to understand what I do, you must walk the miles in my shoes. And in reflection you could see, that I am you, and you are me - - so what difference does it make at which table I partake, since color, is relative. Can’t you see that underneath, I am you, and you are me?! To answer your question straight and true, those people at that table’ are no different than you other than the skins in which they be. But what should it matter; ‘cause underneath, I am you, and you are me.
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About the Book
In his present work Before Forty, After 9/11, Tony chronicles three decades of living into various poems. At times the poems may seem contradictory, but if it is read from the perspective of a person in transition or who is still growing, then it is a powerful analysis of self and the surrounding times of each poems writing. Tony writes to express and share what he is feeling with the world as well as understand his own growth from one writing to the next. The great motivation for releasing the book now is because I have always had a strong feeling of loyalty to my country, family, culture and God. With the events of 9/11 and the content of the poems submitted, I thought this was perfect timing for the books release. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. Although I served my country in the Persian Gulf War it was my great hop that the countries involved would reach some level of tolerance instead of increased hostilities. Maybe one-day words instead of bullets will be used to gain a greater understanding of our problems, as well as a peaceful resolution.
About the Author
Tony has been writing poetry since the age of ten. His first book was Love is a Butterfly, which was a collection of poems dealing with various types of love and relationships in peoples lives. Tony attended the University of Illinois and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (1983). He served nine years in the U.S. Navy (1983 –93), and was in the Persian Gulf War. Tony now works in an Institution that enriches the lives of the developmentally disabled. Tony has three children who are a great source of inspiration. Tony’s reason for writing this book was to reflect on the past forty years of his life and to share his writing with other Americans after the 9/11 tragedy.