How I Wish

How I wish I could bring tenderness, leavening And to bare the fact of each heinous act To which I've been a part Oh my black American heart What I'd give and unlearn Should some peace & concern Fill this empty dread On the wire we tread Between fear and disgrace Oh my red American face Would my life be in vain If in strife Some small pain I gave up my right To this greed and spite Then what might begin Oh my white American skin No More Endlessly journeying Yet to hear freedom ring Must we all be tossed On our nation's cross Before the Truth is whole Oh my lost American soul No More"