Once At a Stream

I took a walk Once By a quiet stream Away from you. I could let my mind forget the times You looked at me cold Just because I was black And you weren't-- But I can't forget. I can remember When you spit in my face Telling me to go back To where I came from. Why do you hate me so? I'm just like you-- I'm a young woman With hopes and dreams-- I'm just like you... Do you even know my name? Why do you let my skin color Turn you away from The Christian faith you claim to have. Do you even understand The meaning of equality? You should-- It's in the Bible. My mama told me when I was young Not to hate nobody And that someday The racism would go away. And, that one time, before you took it away The stream was the one place I found the peace with the world-- And myself. I know now that I don't have to change Into the person you wanted me to Because I've never done anything to you To deserve for you to treat me The way you do.