Not dwelt upon in consciousness,

Nor source of contemplation.

Not part of everyday discourse,

Or point of rumination.

There’s more vital things to fill my days,

More fruitful things to ponder.

As I meander through this life,

Of deep and awesome wonder.

Except there is an obstacle,

Inherited from my clan.

And though it’s way beyond my sway,

It’s part of who I am.

It means I’m facing harshness,

Othering and disdain.

It’s a green light to abuse me,

And a joke to cause me pain.

For this, I was not counselled,

Nor told what was my sin.

As I’m already guilty,

For the colour of my skin.

I’m told that I deserve it,

That there’s no reprieve in sight.

And no laws will protect me,

Because my skin is white.

Yet I’m refusing to succumb,

With emotional flagellation.

And to my fellow kinsmen,

This won’t lead to your salvation.

Get off your knees and stand up tall,

Shake off this sense of shame.

Regain your humanity for yourself,

And for those who’ll bear your name.

Bart 23