Psonnets of Friendship
Suit and Tie

She wants the suit and tie to dress her son,
and cufflinks, not handcuffs, around his wrists,
a wedding ring, not bling, upon his fist,
and polished shoes reflecting in the sun
the face of storied Africa homespun
from threads of darkening ancestry's mist,
which bids him not to join the growing lists
of victims to the glory of the gun.
Come take the measure of his neck and sleeves,
for he will wear a vestment proud and pressed,
but let it be because her son achieves,
because this son of Africa is blessed,
and not because his mother weeps and grieves
over a coffin, where he lies well-dressed.
~ by Michael Rew / Email: witness@psonnets.org