I never weaponized my skin tone,

But I am told that I have been deemed a threat,

and if I want to survive I mustn't question-just comply?

Why?

I have rights, don't I?

How does me being comfortable in my own skin get under yours?

You can say “don't tread on me” while whipping up some of that Boston tea at parties,

But my political protest is considered unlawful assembly.

You can carry out armed protests in Houston outside of a Black organization,

But if I'm armed it's a cause for alarm even if I have a license to carry.

What little I have you take from me and claim it as something of your own making.

These days dope boys get outrageous sentences for minor infractions,

While Colorado turns a billion dollar profit off of marijuana.

When crack was an epidemic in inner cities a “War Against Drugs” was launched.

But now, as heroin takes its toll on the suburbs,

We need to secure our borders?

The real irony is that you think so lowly of me that I'll buy the vanilla flavored lies you are eagerly trying to sell.

At the end of you day...I’m not worried.

See you and I...

Are inextricably bound.

All my struggles and triumphs contribute to your successes,

And that's something you can never extract yourself from.