burden

when i was born
i couldn't breathe right, and  
no machine could fix it.  
so i held my breath
where the wind couldn't find it
and promised it would never be
taken away.

my first kiss was in kindergarten.  
this was when the teacher could read,
but i couldn't.
she was a white girl,
blonde and free
who moved like sudden rain.
my clothes were dry
when we walked to the
principle's office.
we were just learning
our colors.

why is it so hot in the ghetto?
there's too much cooking going on
and not enough eating.
we have to eat!
how else will we survive?
the little brown girl who
drew her wings with pink chalk,
and watched the rain wash them
into the gutter,
she wishes her skin was chalk.  
the boy who named his price
and carved a father out of
his mother's ribs,
he lives the life you spill popcorn over.
just leave it for the janitor.
he'll clean this mess up.

my indian friend once told me
her ancestors owned mine as slaves, and
laughed.
but i forgave her.
she was young,
like America,
and brown,
like...

my bones have fused together
from these shackles.
a dog runs free in the muddy grass.
tell me which way is home.
there's too much light,
and this is not the road to Damascus.

Reviews

[Sage Gabrielle]

Sigh, this is sad. Good poem, but sad.

“Let me think about the people who I care about the most, and how when they fail or disappoint me, I still love them, I still give them chances, and I still see the best in them, and let me extend that generosity to myself.” –Ze Frank

[blueviolin]

sadness is a part of life's experiences. thank you so much :)

[Dr. Wood ?]

well this is great.....all it needs is a tune.....It is a sad reflection upon our society that ANY form of racism could still exist....or indeed ANY apathy....Great poem

[blueviolin]

capitalizing ANY was unnecessary. i am well aware that black people aren't the only victims of racism. however, in this piece i was speaking from my own personal experiences. i'm glad you liked it :)