November 2006
I’ve come here
To save the world
To learn the ways
From this false sense of liberty
Juxtaposed with this
Colorblind class disparity
Education breeding freedoms
But also fastening bonds
Of angst
The copper taste
Of pride
Crushed between my teeth
Fight or flight
Nevertheless
Limbs of lead
Lips sown shut
By the privileged power
That silences me
On pins and needles
Explosions of rage
Die
In the pit of my throat
Blank stare
Recognizing the futility of the fight
Despite what I know
I’m financially lacking
And I’m not white.
She of Letters 