Inauguration

As you were ripped from you lands
And sold to bondage
Did you see it?

As you were beaten and told
You were less than a man
Did you know it?

As your children were pulled from your breast
And torn from your arms
Did you hear it?

As you were denied rights
And the courtesy of a seat when tired
Did you hope it?

As you were marching for freedom
And jailed for a dream
Did you feel it?

As you made my generation possible
As you gave us the chance
As you looked to the future
Could you feel it?
Did you hope it?
Could you hear it?
Did you know it?
Did you think I would see it?

Your suffering has been expunged
Your sacrifice has been validated
And your dream has been realized
For I have seen it.