White Power

White power is a phrase

That still make me cringe. 

I haven't done anything, 

So why do they look at me with anger

And hatred, 

Burning coals for eyes,

And a hard line where a mouth

Used to be. 

"White power,"

They spit and scream at me

When I pass by, head down,

Trying to push past 

Trying to move on.

Trying to choke down the fear like

Bile searing my throat.

I haven't done anything!

I didn't shoot him, 

Don't look to me. 

I have no answers. 

White power. 

Their cries grow

Quiet. 

The police come

And beat back the crowds,

With batons and mace,

And threats of more to come

If they don't

Cooperate. 

White power. 

A new fear takes hold

And I slowly strangle

On the truth. 

My brief nightmare is 

Their reality. 

"Don't shoot."

White power

My power

And I haven't done a 

Goddamn thing.