If a stranger was the face reflected back

You wouldn't break his jaw would you?

Threaten to murder him for being black

Or beat him for loving his fellow man

Too often I see the withered dreams

Of a victim who reflects the image of me

That same downtrodden and tired face

Of a kid pushed down by his enemies

Their broken bones and splattered blood

Eventually, they had enough of us

Our defiance floored raw bravado

Sympathy healed the wounds it left

Predators hurt just like the rest

Tired, scared and a  total mess

It's no excuse for what they do

Still, they're just pariahs too