Being Black

You’re a new convert

I was born this way.

You were kept out

I was kept in

You had to learn my dialect

I had to learn yours

You trying to be

I’m trying to do

Both in a space that don’t want us

Trying

To co- exist

Visibility

Value

Safety.

Ignoring (or not) that which we will never be

With very little power to change the narrative

We fight

As though the contest is over words

I want you to see me and my good

You want me to perform the good you never had

I am tired. Aren’t you?

Let’s just hold hands, make peace, and simply be.

Together

Let’s just be

Together.