Traditions blurred so many lines in my life
I believed them without question
From so many people older and supposedly smarter than me
While I knew about morality and spirituality
I found out that I was exploited
Hijacked doctrines permeated in my brain
To the point where I thought I wasn’t good enough of a human being
(The fact I have melanin and some emotional issues only added to the paranoia)
Learning about (my) unlocked history opened my eyes
I knew the morality and spirituality was coded in
What I didn’t know was the appropriation and bastardization
Was greater than I could imagine
Doctrines for right living were perverted
Into institutionalized bigotry
Double standards in humanity
And the transformation into low key murder cults
I know everybody has their own beliefs
I do not wish to force my world view onto others
Regardless if they knew my beliefs or outlook or not
This journey of finding myself and my missing heritage
Lead to great discoveries
But also uncomfortable truths
Eza mokano ya Nzankomba…
Ospreyshire's Realm 
ospreyshire, the only worse than a fool is an old fool. Because you continue to grow with age, you will never be an old fool. Very insightful piece. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good words, Kreb. I’m certainly still learning about so many things. I’m glad I have enough sense to know that learning doesn’t end with a degree or diploma. Thank you very much for the compliment on the poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, a very moving poem. Thanks for sharing. In general I think I’m a spoiled person with a reeeally good life, but to some degree I understand these feelings. I was indoctrinated quite fiercely, growing up in a homeschool cult that subscribed to the Quiverfull Movement. It took me many long years to work through all the pain and difficulties that those negative beliefs left me with.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, 7mononoke! It’s good you see some aspects of where I’m coming from despite us having different lives. I know about the Quiverfull Movement. The thing is I graduated from a Christian university and I knew some students who grew up with large families that subscribed to that belief. While I still talk to some of my friends from my Alma Mater, I felt awkward and I had bad experiences being bullied there when I thought I would avoid it like the other schools I went to during my childhood. I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think what the slave owners feared is coming to past. They ripped our families apart and somehow we found a way back to our ancestors. Each day we learn a little more about their cruelty, hatred and violence. One day we shall overcome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree. This feels like the age of awakening and exposure with so many things being revealed recently. Every time I learn something about the countries my maternal ancestors came from or even about various inventors I’ve researched on my own among other things, I feel like I’m more enlightened as well as being comfortable for who I am. The truth shall set us free.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And loving yourself is the key. 🙂
LikeLike
I agree as much as how tough it can be.
LikeLike
Thanks for writing this. Learning about appropriation of cultures, bogus colonial doctrines (Doctrine of Discovery comes to mind), and more is a ride and startling awakening, but important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Brendan. I’m glad you took something important out of this poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person