28 Days
A Poem by Anthony Xavier Jackson
I have no felony convictions
I am a US citizen
I’ll speak out against this madness
But I’ve been scared
I’ll see you in El Salvador
Where the smokestack
Is never empty
I lay in this bed
Reminding myself
I talked so much shit
Watching Roots as a kid
Saying I’d have gone crazy
And killed massa or run away
I lay in this comfy bed
Playing a video game
While my ancestors watch
Reminding me I talked so much shit
About if I was alive when they were
I’d have done some really
Remarkably revolutionary thing
Like the Panthers
Like Pettus Bridge
Like jumped off a slave ship
Like burning down the White House
Well, son here’s your chance
They tell me the president
Will crash the economy to
Make the notion of free labor
Oops
I meant slavery
Appealing to his followers
Make America Great Again
Means
Make America White Again
1000 dollars for ever DEI hire you turn in
5000 dollars for every Gang Member you capture
10 thousand for every trans, queer or bisexual you round up
And of course a full meal ticket for the ears of Palestinians on a string.
My ancestors chide me
You wanted to fight
Get out there
Start swinging.
Ill see you in El Salvador
With no felony convictions .
Anthony Xavier Jackson is a poet, songwriter, and musician living in Sacramento, California. In his poems, Anthony employs vivid imagery to immerse his readers. Publishing credits so far include Sacramento Poetry Center’s Tule Review 2023, BarBar, the Sweat Anthology, The Words Faire Feast Anthology, new words{ press } ( ay Their Names), Wingless Dreamer, The Silver Lining of Heartbreak Anthology, and Quillkeeper’s Press, TAP Journal. Anthony’s spoken word paired with his music may be found on SoundCloud under the name Anthony Xavier Jackson. Anthony is the author of The Razor of Your Smile. Instagram:@anthonyxavierjacksonpoetry.
