Ruby's Day

Every day. Surrounded by white. White walls, white lockers, white faces. The marshals grab my arms, walking me to class. I see a kid sneering, snickering, Calling me shit-skin I try to ignore him Every day. Every day alone in my classroom Mrs. Henry calls "Ruby." My "here" breaks the silence Parents don't like me Because I am different. Because I am black. But I still come, because mama says, "You need education" Every day. Every day I am alone Maybe one day Things'll be different Until then, I sit here in my classroom Waiting it out Every day.