Are You Not My Brother?
~~~
How is it the color of one’s skin
Somehow defines what is held within
Or the different shape of someone’s eyes
Speaks to all that is found inside
~~~
How does a certain ancestry
A derivative of past history
Determine the worth of mortal soul
And relegate them to a given role
~~~
How does the God they reflect
Not earn the same kind of respect
That we demand for our own
When who is right remains unknown
~~~
How does their place of birth
Determine their only worth
This thing they did not choose
Insignificant and nothing proves
~~~
How does their cultural difference
Portray any truth by inference
How do their beloved traditions
Delineate the human condition
~~~
How does an odd sounding name
Saddle them with random blame
A long and proud family lineage
Is nothing we should disparage
~~~
How does the accent we hear
Create an unwarranted fear
A value placed on their words
Simply by how they are heard
~~~
Our past holds this kind of hate
Of those who expatriate
And all the wars that we’ve fought
Has not yet found acceptance bought
~~~
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[…] Are You Not My Brother? — commonsensiblyspeaking […]
commonsensiblyspeaking 
I want to share your poetry with the world, Brad! It needs more people like you. ❤
Excuse me, miss. Your bias is showing…🤣 Thank you, my dear friend! ♥
No bias here, (okay, well maybe a little), but I know good poetry and good people when I see it.
thank you for these words, it is still so horrible that it exists at all
Thank you, Beth! I hope it is changing, albeit slowly.
It is about time that EQUALITY ruled! Men, women, and that there be no such thing as “race”, “ethnicity”, “colour”, “creed” or “national origin”. It is one world and one LOVE, (like Marley said and he was right). No one has the right to think they are inherently better than anyone else. Beautiful poem Brad! Exceptional message and a lesson that must be taught to all, especially the older folk (old farts) around the world, because I think the young people understand it. All the best!
Thank you, my brother! One love!
Absolutely!
beautiful, powerful words, Brad. how does the luck of birth determine so much…
Thank you, Jim! We simply need to concern ourselves with who somebody is that what they are.
exactly…
We’re supposed to be a developed society, yet we continue to judge people on everything else besides their character.
Thank you, Pete! Hopefully we are seeing a change in generational biases.
I learned about your poetry from Francisco Cabrera (valenciartist) today. This poem is beautiful on many levels. So glad I’ve found your blog!
Thank you, Janet! Francisco is a dear and generous supporter. I have often been inspired by his visual and literary works. Happy to have you aboard for the ride!
Thank you, Francis, for introducing me to Brad Osborne’s work.