You are far too pleased with yourself
For having learned so few Life Lessons
With your whole sad young life lived on
A few sheltered blocks
vSeparated from people like
Me
Me
Of the outward calm
Who you look at
But really don't see
Me
Whose presence
Makes you insecure
Though you don't know why
Which makes you hate me all the more
Me
Of the straight spine
And innate dignity
That you cannot negate with your petty ugliness
Though I've got to give to you… you do try
Me
Who by quietly entering a room makes you feel under-dressed and
Even though I'm almost twice your age and
Wearing only Braids and Blue Jeans
Gives you a compulsive need to slide away and touch up your make-up
Yes… I saw you
Me
Who at this time
At this stage
Has forgotten more than you have yet learned
Lost more than you have yet earned
Seen more than you even know that there is to see
Fought,
And won,
Battles that would make you hang yourself in your closet
Or at the very least, leave you a crumpled heap in the middle of the floor
Me
Who once
On a long ago crazy day
Kicked a girl
That looked
Just like you
Down the fucking stairs
For emphatically attempting to make me
The "Nigger"
Oh little white girl…
Don't let the poise and grace
Fool you
You don't know
Me