do not claim me
in your hatred
because of the color of my skin
your fear and filth
is not mine
just because
we share the same melanin deficiency
can’t you see the depth and wisdom
in the “others” you so despise
the tenacity and courage they show day after day
despite the defiling oppression
and smut
endured
of course you see their brilliance
that’s what frightens you most
it threatens the thin veil of power
you cling to
because unlike ours
their power was not stolen
covering up generation after generation
of weak men’s insecurities
frail and flimsy
but rather rooted in the earth
grown and nourished
through an ancestry of
endurance
strength
patient resistance
do not claim me
in your feeble fight
just because I too have benefited from our whiteness
I lay my privilege
at their feet
bow in reverence of the grace and glory
as we march arm in arm
to face you
you’ll find me in that sea of resplendence
a mirror reflection reminding you
this is a fight
you will not win
Photo credit: Jamie Thrower of Studio XIII
