Even if...

Even if I smile every time you see me.
Even if I speak lightly, and politely.
Even if I keep my opinions to myself.
Even if I accumulate my own wealth.
Even if I graduate Magna Cum Laude.
Even if I believe in one God.
Even if I gravitate away from Debate.
Even if I hide from the chatter.
Even if I'm quiet as they yell, "Black Lives Matter".
I'll still be a nigger to the white folks
and acting "white" to the black folks.
There is no win for me here, so I wait on the wind of change
and pray I don't get short changed, this time.
Even if I am hopeful, my people are still hopeless...

August 31, 2016