If Life Was Like a Poem

The Knowing Of

I wish I could understand your struggle
As you cheer and proudly proclaim for the color of your skin
I cheer behind you
I smile for those voices that bounce against the walls

You are so loud
Beautifully loud
Proclaim, proclaim
I know of your struggle
But not the feel
So I cheer along side you
Not to feel your oppression
But to release you as much as I can

But my white skin is unburdened
And how I wish I could say I understand
That I know what you feel but
I only know of
I can only imagine
So allow me to hold your hand
Your dark callused one in my pale softened palm
How I wish your hand was soft like mine
So you would not have those marks
But it is not

So I squeeze tighter as the burning in your eyes brightens
I clap for you
I smile at your words
Words that are not my job to speak
But mine to listen to
So I recognize
And you step up beside me

I do not understand your struggle
But I know of it
Of the look in your eyes
And the sweat on your dark cheeks
And I am so hopeful for you
So in awe of the bravery and your will to defy
Some day I know
We will stand
Hand in hand
And the calluses will still be there
But the color will be gone