"An Apology"
Dear Linda,
I’m sorry
I’m sorry that I’m your best friend,
yet will never be able to relate
or posses the amount of strength
necessary to live in your colour skin.
I’m sorry that my white privilege guarantees
I won't be questioned because of my race
while you still have to prove your worth
as the only coloured person in our entire grade.
I’m sorry that I can’t protect you
or even feel like I need to
because you’re a beautiful individual
who deserves more than given to you.
I’m sorry that I take advantage of your culture,
your beauty, your strength, your ideas and your skin
your intelligence, your hair, and your enthusiasm -
all of these traits on which our America depends.
I’m sorry
I’m sorry that I touch your curly hair
and become incaptivated,
stopping myself only after I realize
my arrogance is why it’s initiated.
I'm sorry you’re identified by your race:
Our Chocolate Momma, Mocha Queen,
Our Cinnamon Spice, Dulce Delight,
Hazelnut Cake or Almond Beauty.
I’m sorry that, instead, you're not referred to
as a strong, independent women who
can fend for herself, with No social construct,
No shade, No tint, No colour being what identifies you.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that I’m white
and my ancestors took advantage of yours.
I’m sorry that some people don’t understand
that America's history is reason enough to fight for a cure.
I’m sorry that fifty-three years
post the Civil Rights Act, screams of inequality and tears for
Philando Castile
Tamir Rice
Sandra Bland
Freddie Gray
prove that colour is what America most fears.
I’m sorry that I can joke about
getting that speeding ticket in September
while, in my place, you would have had to remind cops
that you're not armed and you’re not a danger.
I’m sorry that I even feel obligated
to apologize for countless acts discrimination,
but I'm scared for this countries future
and acknowledge our past and present white infatuation.
I’m sorry but I am also proud.
Proud of you, your accomplishments,
of your strength and want to flourish,
I'm proud of your hope and your compassion,
of your success and your courage.
I'm sorry Linda.
I'll sing this apology as a war cry
as I kneel beside Kaepernick,
let out a desperate breath for Eric Garner,
and pray that America comes together to fight.
I’ll sing and, on this bloody, drawn-out warpath, stand
arms locked, fighting against racism
and crying out pleas of equality, hand-in-hand,
with you, my hero and my best friend.