Just Let Me Be

I stand in the class and I feel like a joke,

people are darting their eyes at my soul.

Losing breath with every step, I’m about to choke.

It’s getting hot in here my feet are stinging from the blistering coal.

I do a small smile to try to feel more comfort,

but people can’t see past my skin.

I hear them talking about me I want to abort,

Their like sharks and I’m a fish without a fin.

Why is it a struggle for individuals to see,

I don’t snap my fingers and wave my hand.

 I am my own individual, leave me be.

There is a moment where I need to take a stand.

Just because I am black,

don’t start you sentence with “was that racist?”

When I hear that I just want to crack.

But what stops me is all these white faces.

So I sit and just keep quiet,

and crouch behind the crowd.

Knowing I won’t be seen one bit,

 famous activist will not be proud.

I shouldn’t be scared to be me,

I have unique qualities that show I am different.

What am I talking about, I can’t be free.

That is just how it is, I have to tell you up front.