Voices! Intercultural Poetry E-Journal

Black in America
by Amy Kirkland
Elementary School Teacher and Counselor Education graduate student

You want to know what it means to be black in America?
It means working twice as hard for less the pay,
Forever grateful to those who paved the way,
Remembering how hard times were back in the day.
You want to know what it means to be black in America?
It means always having to look within,
Wondering if missed opportunities are because of my skin,
Accepting that interracial dating is not a sin.
You want to know what it means to be black in America?
It means defending myself and questioning why,
Police confusing me for the other guy,
Made to feel I'm the reason crime rates are high.
You want to know what it means to be black in America?
It means looking ahead and watching my back,
Leaving no stones unturned, no room for slack,
Not wanting to slip and fall through the crack.
You want to know what it means to be black in America?
It means helping my brother whenever I could,
Watching my mouth when I know I should,
But being Black ain't half bad; in fact it's all good.

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