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 and 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