Jena-free...

thought...

I wanted to sit under that shade tree
A right 400 years of slavery...
Civil rights...
MOVEMENT...fought to give me

Only to experience alienation,
After being told I could sit anywhere I wanted to be

I wasn't welcomed to that tree
Unless I wished to provide additional shade
Like the strange fruit portrayed by Holliday's
Mournful melody

Selfish...
After being told I could sit anywhere I wanted to be

I shouldn't have to leave,
But I don't see how to stay
In a place that can't want me

It's a hard reality to deal with, but deep inside
This truth is etched

There's always been more to a shade tree---
That's just the way it is...

Guess the "why" of the matter is meant to remain troubling
And prevent a mutual exchange of dignity and respect

Even after being told "we could..."
To anything

thought...