I’m Free Because Of You.
A Juneteenth tribute letter to my ancestors.
I’m free because of you. My ancestors were brought here unaware of the war to be fought here.
I’m free because of you. You lost your name and your culture and history was tossed in flames.
I’m free because of you. You could have jumped from the ships to your grave, but lived to create my bloodline and chose to be a slave.
I’m free because of you. You were treated less than humanity by your master’s vanity and suffered through unnatural insanity.
I’m free because of you. Though you were trapped under the slavery scope, you continued to survive and never gave up hope.
I’m free because of you. You started in this country as property that was bought without a second thought, to standing on the front line of the war that needed to be fought.
I’m free because of you. Your every breath was a life or death struggle that you always fought through with every limb and muscle.
I’m free because of you. I look at history with joyous tears because of you and walk around with freedom with no fear because of you.
I’m free because of you. I’m writing this poem on my computer with gratitude for your ancestral courage that created my future.
About the Creator
Joe Patterson
Hi I'm Joe Patterson. I am a writer at heart who is a big geek for film, music, and literature, which have all inspired me to be a writer. I rap, write stories both short and long, and I'm also aspiring to be an author and a filmmaker.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Keep reading
More stories from Joe Patterson and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (4)
The Ancestors are proud and so am I!
Great poem and reminder.
Wonderful tribute!
An excellent poem , hope others drop into this piece