Nikki Giovanni




A Litany for Peppe

They had a rebellion in Washington this year
because white people killed Martin Luther King 
Even the cherry blossoms wouldn’t appear

Black Power and a sweet Black Peace

Just about 200 white people died
because they conspired to kill Martin Luther King

And peace and power to you my child

Blessed be machine guns in Black hands
All power to grenades that destroy our oppressor
Peace Peace, Black Peace at all costs

We’re having our spring sale
200 honkies for one non-violent

Even Wilmington Delaware
(a funni negro at best)
Responded appropriately

And to you my Black boy
A Revolution
My gift of love
Blessed is he who kills
For he shall control this earth.