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

Of Africa

I want to go to Africa.
To feel the rhythm of my ancestors,
feel the drum beat connect to my heart.
I want to return to Africa and see where I was given my start.

If I Die...

If I die in police custody, tell my mama I love her.
Tell my sister's not to cry and my brother's to be brave.
If I die in police custody, know that I did not beg for my life.
They did not give it to me, so it's not theirs to take.
If I die in police custody, know that I gave my life willingly.
Know that, in that moment, I was set free.
Know that I died believing in we.
Us.