Hello.

I say with a smile on my face

Because their gaze is in search

Of all my stereotypical mistakes 

Before I even make them.

 

I nod silently

Politely.

Because all I have to say doesn’t matter

In spite of how intelligently I 

Execute my thoughts on an eloquent platter

 

My feelings they don’t want to see

The real me

“Just sit quietly

You little black girl.”

 

But I am not a girl

I am a woman

I am every woman

Who they say is too much

Too loud

Too present

Just sit down

Just don’t speak

Just cover it up

Because your body

Your mind

Your mouth

Your hands

Your work

It’s not yours

How could it be?

 

Well, it is my time

Her time

Overtime

For you to listen to my rhyme

Because Mr. Vice President

I.

Am.

Speaking.

Thank you.