Shelter

White canvas tents
sheltered black soldiers
fighting to free
their southern brethren

while white soldiers
fought to preserve
their factories, their
way of life.
States versus Union.

He bought canvas
cornering the market
indifferent to sides
selling to both and
making a fortune
because armies needed
tents for shelter
while waging war.

With this fortune
he created an unbreakable
trust fund.
A financial shelter
for extended family.
A brother became a doctor,
nephew became an artist
others attended college.

War divides countries
brother against brother.
Fortunes divide families
father against son.
Decades and generations
we carry on
battles long over.

Where are the shelters
for the brethren
we know today?
For the black man
stopped by police
shot in his car? 
An officer so afraid
he shoots?
For the riots
in our streets?
Where is trust?

How can we
build it, and make it
unbreakable?

Many truths
have misunderstandings
and all truths
meet on middle ground.

We have given
decades and generations
to these battles.

Surely we can
find the time
to create shelter
for middle ground.
To the place
where the paths
of truth meet.