Human

Poetry taught me that we were all humans...

The slam poetry on youtube channels showed me the distinct similarities

And explained to me the stark differences between one person and another

But we all have story to tell

Your breath flows through your body

In or out, through your mouth or your nose,

Whichever you deem convenient at that particular time

Without your tongue you would not be able to talk

Without your eyes you would not be able to notice the beauty in the earth

Without your teeth you could not chew bite down on a Little Debbie

Without your nose, you wouldn’t be able to

Take in the sweet aroma of a meadow

You’re just like me. You may act different

Think different things, maybe have different interests

But we’re the same... so why aren’t we all treated the same?

I’m a man that has feelings and expresses them

But with your toxic masculinity, you dehumanize me

Turning me into a pussy or whatever disrespectful word

Is popular at the time

I’m a young black man with a bright future but

With your gun and your badge you dehumanize me, making me into a criminal

I’m a man who loves men, but with your hatred

You dehumanize me, turning me into a sin

I’m a working woman in a man’s world

But with your injustices, they dehumanize me

Into taking pay cuts and dressing “professionally”

As if it’s my fault that men can’t control themselves

As if it’s my fault that I’m in love

As if it’s my fault that I’m not the American default

As if it’s my fault that I have feelings and actually acknowledge them

As if it’s my fault that I’m a human...

Just not the same human as you..