I can’t be myself within your parameters
that define me according to what
you think
my limits
should be.
I don’t only belong in the places
you tell me
I can go.
My mind is not limited to your perceptions
of what
I am capable of achieving.
My freedom is not contingent
on your condescension.
My life
is not yours to take
because
you’re afraid.
My will
is not yours to mold because
you hate
what makes you afraid.
My color is not an accident.
My true ancestry is not diluted by you.
My creativity need not celebrate you.
We are on this sphere by divine will.
You are in my sphere through no choice of my own.
But understand, I will not swallow your poison.
You belittle our massive, unspoken love
for this nation of bondage; whenever we are asked to serve,
we do it with dignity and honor, but not at the expense
of our dignity in service to your hypocrisy.
I will not give you water for your pill of denial,
and I will not drink the poison you’ve
slipped into my life.
I give you back your cup, untouched.
Partake of your own bitterness,
And when you leave
I will place coins on your eyes
for the ferryman,
because I won’t carry the weight of
your ignorance on me
anymore.
Beyond Panic 