Game over

Game Over

Its not the colour of my skin

It is the fear my shoes stand in.

 

I thought it wouldn’t show

with weave and braid and bow.

 

But the terror tugged within

And clawed daily at my skin.

 

“Fit in” they said, with hollow grin

Is being Black a sin?

 

How do I fit? To what? To where?”

As I tear the bows from braided hair.

 

I take a seat and place my books

In walls that barricade the looks.

 

The teacher booming out my name

The one they gave me to feel the same.

 

They smile and laugh and make their choices 

A sea of “fitting in” white faces.

 

They tell me they do not see my colour

So tell me please, who killed my brother?

 

So proud this Country of its races

Black white together, yet never to change places.

 

I see you playing this shameful game

The one where I’m too scared to say my true name.

 

This country pins its fame on equality

Its Queen allowing dark skin into royalty……..temporarily .

 

Remember the other of fair skin 

Who rocked the boat you all safely sailed in?

 

She changed her title too

In trying to appease you.

 

Forever on the losing side

She ran to brown arms that opened wide.

 

That was her final and her biggest sin

In a land still judging on the skin.

 

Its time to open up your eyes

And trample down this Country’s lies.

 

Do not pass off jokes and jibes

As a Country keeping happy vibes.

 

That kind of thing keeps my race small

But now the Hierarchy are fit to fall.

 

You know you’re on the losing side

So show your hand or stand aside.

 

No longer will those that rein

Control me with their fear and shame.

 

As I braid my hair and use my name

The one I had before this game.

 

I feel a warmth once felt inside

My eyes finally thrown opened wide.

 

My journey starts now with new shoes

The terrors gone; you lose.

 

Photo by Jose Fontano