Black Power of Sports

born black with a burden
under pressure
forced to carry a heavy weight
hard life, lifting spirits up
singing since slave days
beautiful sounds since before the trade
still voiceless
winning without a head-start
Muhammad Ali jabbing at the system
objected killing, people had to listen
couldn’t be boxed in
suspended, ready to be locked away
never surrendered, never silent
refused to sit around
inspired Abdul-Jabbar to boycott
Abdul-Rauf refused to stand
took a moment to reflect and pray
Colin took a knee Kap
careers ended without injury
bawled out because they’re black
balled out, still blackballed
sports providing a platform
raise issues about race issues
spark a bolt of lightning not on the tracks
started with Moses taking the field
Robinson brothers to Bill Russell
The Jet & John throwing fists in the air
barefooted, on an Olympic podium
using a heightened stage
elevated status and fame
stating black lives matter
calling for police brutality to stop
struggle continues until we say their names
don’t take it light like a feather
make it sting like a bee
an apology is nice
but until there’s equality
we will honour the sacrifice
made by the black athlete