I am..

The poem is a protest to racial privilege that certain groups seem to enjoy in a country speaking of democracy and equality so fondly. So this is to say, i will not allow the oppressor to win me over

I am…

Old age owns no demise.

Young age holds no promise.

Nostalgia is timeless plague; but.

Death discerns no color, but black dime paucity and malady is acquainted to it.

  In my native footprints I am without a fingerprint.

 

I am native seeded, I am of miniature voice.

I am darkened with stupidity

Crawling, is my dignity.

I am given a fancy word to tend, but not admission.

I am without a fingerprint; black is enough.

Indeed protest of this color is oft wrong yet right.

 

Second grade chow will touch not of my brood’s maw.

Education of exception is slave lord wielding blunt threats.

The maze of the oppressor uncovered.

Knowledge sees liberty.

My line will serve no master.

 

I am a black child, and that is not enough

                      I am a black child, and I can reason enough. 

Author's Note

I will appreciate an advice, comment, or reviews that show engagement with the text, not a mere irrelevance to what the text embodies.

Reviews

[Angelia]

I like this poem. However, in the description you seem to be zooming in on one country. I genuinely believe that racism is universal. Therefore, I must say, its equally wrong wherever you go. Not more so in a certain country or region, regardless of the law or form government. Its a world-wide crime against humanity. Reading this makes me consider the fact of prejudice in general. Everyone sees a form of exclusion. Which leads me to believe that everyone has felt that same sting of discrimination. Racism is a fact of life because its so common across a wide range of nations, generations and ethnic groups. However wrong, its less about narrow-minded individuals and more about the nature of the human mind. That being said, I can't say that I'm angry about this discrimination. Its wrong BUT when we consider that these people are a victim of a mind set its very easy to forgive them of their wrong doing. I'd probably feel differently if I were a slave at anytime in my life but I'm an African-American in the 21st century. Keep up the great work.

[Sabelo Jay]

Thank you so much for engaging with it and for your review. I totally agree and aware of the universal status racism holds. Being the first timer, I resorted in writing about what I have seen and still see today. The poem is more of a memoir than anything else, and i do hope the title does elicit the personal attachment it has with the speaker as you have, not in the exact words, singled out. It is precise that i zoomed on one country and do admire your mind set. The major aim is not to perpetuate hate among humanity but give it less power. And I feel you are sympathetic to that plight. Thank you once again for your review