Bewildered

Look at me and tell me what you see

Is it the color of my skin?

Is it the way I wear my clothes?

Is it the cut and color of my hair?

Tell me what you think of my religion

Do I worship in a Church, a Temple or a Mosque?

Do I worship in the outdoors under the light of the moon?

Is my God-your God–our God-or is there a God?

Tell me what you hear

When I speak to you-When I offer an opinion

Is there an accent for you to hear?

Do you close your ears and block me out?

If I am different from you

Why is my blood the same color as yours?

Why do I hurt the same as you?

Why do I cry as you?

Do you expect me not to fight back?

Am I to bear all your insults and spittle?

Am I to stay silent just so you feel better?

Am I not allowed to fight back?

Look at me and just tell me

Is it my gayness, my religion, my political stance?

We are the same you and me

Why is it that you cannot see?

Tell me when it was that I lost my humanity

When you felt superior to me

When all you said was right and I became wrong

Tell me so that I can know-why you hate me so!

© 2010 13 august/cb