(Poem) “Is It Too Much?”
Author: Jim Kelly
A question for our ancestral slavers
From my brown sisters, brothers, cousins—
from all of us,
still bearing the weight
of history
on our backs
and in our blood—Is it too much to ask
for our love,
our loyalty,
a lifelong obligation—to repay debts
for the mere fact
of our existence?4 July 2025
Jim Kelly
Author’s Commentary:
“Is It Too Much?” was written as a quiet but firm confrontation—a question posed not in
anger, but in clarity. It reflects the enduring emotional and psychological burdens that
descendants of enslaved people carry, and the audacity of expecting gratitude or loyalty in
the absence of historical reckoning. Written on July 4th, it challenges the nation’s
celebration of freedom while so many still carry chains made of memory, injustice, and
silence.
Quoted Message From Author: I watch. I write from the perspective 71-year-old African American. Poems inspired by childhood pain, protest, policy, and the people who get left behind.
Reader thoughts: This poem titled: Is It Too Much? is heartfelt and gives a voice to the oppressed. There is nothing more inspiring than being able to acknowledge African American cuts are still bleeding and in many cases reopened. The first step is acknowledging.
All Poetry at Urban Poems are for expression only. This particular poem is titled (Is It Too Much?). Artistic writing literature provides concentrated awareness; that is imaginative. Some forms of creative text attempt to express truths about life, tell a story, or honor God. In addition many different styles cause difficulty in defining. There are 9 different forms of poetry. What’s more, these forms are Haiku; which is an ancient form of Japanese expressions. There is free verse and it is a modern version. Its meaning is the freedom to write in any form.
Furthermore 14 lines Sonnet writers deal with love. Moreover there is Acrostic, which spells out a name, word, phrase or message with the first letter of each line of the poem. Made up of 19 lines and five stanzas of three lines goes by the name of Villanelle. Limerick creations are funny and at times can be rude. Ode Musically performed pieces are nice on the ears. Particular subject Elegy is clear and direct. Last but not least there is Ballad that typically tells a dramatic emotional story.
Full literature on poetry here.