It's My Choice
As I come out of my house
I see the bars surrounding me.
When I go to work
I can see people boxing me.
When my mom sends the rent for the month
I notice an increase.
I unstitch,
And unfold,
I work hard and have nothing to hold.
I blame my mom, and I blame everyone
Including myself,
But since I was born I was already placed in a shelf.
How dare you ask why I’m so angry?
If the next person with darker skin isn’t as lucky.
Why must I think twice when I pronounce things?
Maybe it’s because your pale skin’s mocking me!
For years I hated my skin,
But I am finally done with this institutionalized racism.
(2014)
I got into an argument with my brother about racism. He told me that I'm only destined for what is expected of me. Wherever I live isn't my choice, what I do Isn't my choice. I want to show him otherwise.
