Let Freedom Ring

Let Freedom Ring

I wear no ring on this finger
Although his soul has made a home
At the hearth of my heart,
Although we’ve said our vows
Among witnesses, signed the certificate,
And share dreams of growing wise together.

I wear no ring on this finger
Because not long before hip-hop,
Back when cats was singin’ doo-wop,
It was my mother and father that were
Denied the freedom to sanctify their love.*

I wear no ring on this finger
Because now, fifty years later,
We’re still stained with
The stigma of discrimination,
Still a country pimpin’
Freedom of religion—
Yet basing our laws on dogma.
And it seems they forgot to put
A disclaimer on the term freedom,
Which only actually applies if you have
Said skin color,
Said religious beliefs,
Said genitalia,
And said sexual preference.

So, I wear no ring on this finger
And I will wear no ring on this finger
Until Suzy and Jane and Steve and Pete
Can see their names in the newlyweds
Section of the Gazette
And tear off the veil of secrecy
That sells their souls to society
And shout of their love
At the top of their lungs
And love who they love
Without losing their loved ones,
See…I see a day when they can
Be who they are.
                   Just be.
I thought that’s what they meant
                   By free...



* This poem was written as a slam poem for a live audience. This line refers to my parents being interracial, which would be apparent in person.