When you enter
strange cities
be silent
in the streets
but speak
with all
you meet
and you will see
as the people see
the poor people
are very rich.
When you enter
their homes
eat with them
or they will hate you
but eat not
that which will kill you
even if they insist
for you have been taught
by the Great Teacher
they know Him not
May even mock Him
to your face
but cool your voice
they will submit
when they meet Him
when they see Him
in you
When you love
peoples of the world
rivers are nothing
between you
and strange tongues
a soulful tone
salaam, salaam.
--Marvin X (Nazzam Al Sudan)
from The New Black Poetry, edited by Clarence Major, International Publishers, 1972.
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