Straighten Out

Societal concerns

Image: Pixabay

[Inspired by current events and Straight Outta Compton*]

Back in the ‘80s came a rhapsody at rap city
Straight out of Compton.
Some black dudes introduced a new musicality;
They were inspired from their frustration,
Fighting strong with words
Wrapped in rhythmic chords.

Today their message from then still holds true
Though it’s not just them vs. the men in blue.
There’s more to it than injustices done by one homogenized group;
It’s really all about every one of us that makes this a vicious loop–
To a degree we all contribute our own social and mental ills;
We’re all paying the same big bills.

The list is long,
But it’s time we see all what’s wrong.
Face up to the fact that history can’t be undone,
But we dwell on it and create a rerun
As long as we stay with the same script.
The only difference is another rendition of rehashed bulls_ _ _.

Haves and have-nots are alike,
So one has a bigger bike.
Create your own success story
Instead of living in envy.
The root of all evil is not money,
It’s the lack of self-accountability.

Funny how it really is simple,
Just be responsible.
It is an individual call
But it starts within us all
To make a dent.
To our system that needs a bad re-invent.

*Straight Outta Compton is a movie about how rap music revolutionized the Hip-Hop culture.

Race Erase

He was hiding among the fold of faith in a historic South Carolina church. Proudly known as Mother Emanuel, the place of worship was converted into a scene from Purge. God’s flock was lessened—nine innocents gunned down by one who thinks there’s too much black. But the darkness is within Dylann Roof. To him, and to all, mind the verse from Genesis 1: “Let there be Light.” God’s Light is wide and color blind. No race needs to be erased.

©2015 Karina Pinella

Us

Red, yellow, black, white . . .
Colors that can cause delight or a big fight,
Depending on the spectrum of your tolerance.

All lives matter,
For we are all made from the same batter.

Let’s take away labels, beginning with race.
The only purpose it serves is to peg a tight space,
Where movement is suppressed,
Cultivating a perspective that is narrow and depressed.
Stop writing on the blanks where it tells you to choose your label.
Why perpetuate an age-old myth that’s real purpose is to shackle?

You, me can start to stop the fuss,
Let’s just label ourselves US (of America)

©2015 Karina Pinella