Generalismo Marcus

[Marvin X]

Generalismo Marcus

led us on many battles

through the ages

the African campaign

much destruction

famine drought

fights for the throne

when kings and queens departed

we followed the stars

Ogotomeli told us about

 

found ourselves far away from the Nile or Hapi

sorrow songs met us in the west

kingdoms came and went

until we found ourselves

in the door of no return

for a time we thrived

then got weak

no safety in the land

mock battles enslaved us

brought us low

the kings conspired

greed set upon us

trinkets for gold and slaves

Generalismo Marcus

recounted all this

showed us the map back home

if we listened and we did

Told us how great we had been

all the trials along the Nile or Hapi

now was our chance

maybe the last

for all time

to do the right thang

Black Power

Generalismo cried

remember the star

Ogotomelli saw

follow it without detour

it will take you to that mountain

then down into the valley

across the stream

into the meadow

where mothers breastfeed their babes

in the sun

warriors train in the forest

knives machetes sharp

fear is a foreign tongue

death in battle is the joy of life

Generalismo Marcus chides us

for weakness

stand tall he said

do not let fear confound you

this foreign tongue

leap upon the enemy

strike fear into them

not in yourselves

ever on the alert

vigilant

not boastful

humble to the God

ancestors

elders

say blessings daily

for the dead, living

yet unborn

There is no turning back

no room for cowards

only victory is acceptable

no defeat possible

if we listen to Generalismo Marcus

map in hand

the right path clear

there is no doubt

we can win

we shall win.

--Marvin X

7/16/13