America to Me

Nothing.

African American is supposed to mean something to me, I guess?

I’m supposed to feel comfort in knowing that I can identify as American 

Here on this American land 

But, I don’t know if I can 

I don’t even use that to identify 

I’d rather be called black than African American 

And if you’re wondering, here’s why

My ancestors are from the middle east

So, there’s no African in me. 

AA is term coined by white conservatives to take a step away from“coloreds” 

And on behalf of my melanin-ated brethren is something I will not accept 

All of the struggles and strife that come with being black in America 

Trump all that is right

America doesn’t have a special place in my heart

Make my knees buckle

Or make me feel woozy inside 

It’s just a place that I live and fight to survive. 

It’s a place where justice will never be served

The “blessing” of being here often seems more like a curse.  

So, you ask, “What does America mean to me?”

The only answer I can give you is nothing.