Shorn Sharer - Tapa blanda

Has the 'Golden Rule' been overruled by present-day politics? Is the American Dream no longer an attainable prize for the Black American...or, presently, any American? This poetic discourse, SHORN SHARER, is a mirror held up to present-day America, as America's Black population sees its struggle for the American Dream having once again become a dream deferred. SHORN SHARER is a blend of poetry and frank discourse, as related mainly to the concerns of America's Black population. It has found its way upon your shelves because that spirit in America, which continually allows the death and dying about the world to be redressed with a footnote only, confounded my soul. Presently, has that spirit locked up the ballot box and struck links of constriction upon the rights of the American people and upon the glory of America - a glory true Americans had garnered in our behalf, had placed tenderly in our keeping. Presently, perhaps, the Spirit, leading from the Divine, has returned, touching many voices. Thus, as of the many, do I offer this voice of concern - SHORN SHARER.

When I was growing up in the South, it was life as usual. A fellow went through the routine of getting an education, joining the Service, possibly attaining some semblance of a higher education, but most importantly, selecting a vocation. So, from public education, I joined the Army. This was during the Viet Nam era. Throughout my tour of duty, I hauled about my portable typewriter, my guitar, and my paints. Should a person surmise from this listing that I had a personal interest in writing, music, and art, he or she would be correct. Yes, when growing up in the South, and following the routine, I managed to lock in the first two items on the list - education and duty of service to country. Yet, vocation was a horse of a different color. Although I cherished my love for the guitar and the Beatles, I set aside my music interest. Also had I interests in writing and art, from which I chose art upon which to manage a vocation. But what of vocation - what shall it to be?Of course, in my neighborhood, the South, vocation meant service to man, or, on a higher level, service to God. The impetus for work, striving, places the emphasis for doing upon the needs of another - not upon self. I chose to teach. This choice, of course, meant attaining higher knowledge. It meant preparation of a special type, meant securing certificates and licenses. Knowing this, I strove to do acquire the necessary items and experiences. As things developed, first would I become an art teacher; later requiring ever higher learning. Thus would I become an art/English teacher - with credentials in reading. In each case, was ever the middle school my heart of hearts. Yet, it would not last.Again was I made to consider - and to reconsider. I left my teaching position, then back to higher education - this time it was something of which I wanted no part. This was the course of the divinity - a theological program in Atlanta, Georgia. Unto this way did I apply self and soul, but my spirit longed f