A writing about growing up black and a Dodger fan
Two things I knew at the age of a few
That one I was black, and two I was blue
My path was prewritten yet freshly anew
And not all would come easy I’d find as I grew
My hair would turn coarse and of bright sandy hue
My tone was such bronze, my pupils bronze too
The cap I’d adorn was but one tone and snug
Its brim was quite lengthy, its foe was the sun
I threw with my cousins and caught with them too
We ran ‘round square bases once batting balls through
Our winters were warm and our summers were more so
Our autumns were easy and spring times were joyful
Our worries were none, for all that we knew, was two things were sure, we were black and then blue
My father would travel and take me along
I’d see many things such as where I belonged
We’d make toward the sunrise with sunsets behind
We’d engage in much laughter while losing the time
I’d ask where I’d come from, he’d deeply respond
I’d learn who I was, what I was, and grow fond
My roots were in Brooklyn but not next of kin
I heard stories before me only time and again
I loved my bronze tone and learned all that it meant
But my country’d shown different and therefore it went
I’d travel my path with decks stacked afore me
Taught of injustice while ill treatment displayed all about me
I’d come to learn some things still those two I knew
That I’d never break easy, and grow faithful and true
Descend upon boats my ancestors once did
Without hope, nor foresight, just tools at their heads
But time heals some wounds and with time we’d have thrills
With time we’d grow heroes like Jackie and Wills
Becoming a man has meant more than just aging
It’s come with its prices, some argue worth paying
Persisting along, though, both prideful and strong
We carry our hope in our hearts as a song
So who dare bring us conflict when God is our victor
And whose shoulder will lend me? My brother? My sister?
Oh life you are precious, a blessing indeed
Lord help as I ask to unselfishly need
Just a game such as baseball with lessons therein
Is life and its teachings of losses and wins
Yet through all still I’m certain that these things bode true
That I will always be black, and forever be blue
