Birth Cage | Teen Ink
  1. Home
  2. Poetry
  3. Free Verse
  4. Birth Cage

Birth Cage

December 25, 2010
By Harvardstar BRONZE, Sugar Land, Texas
More by this author
Harvardstar BRONZE, Sugar Land, Texas
2 articles 0 photos 4 comments
View profile

I, an African American girl, am born in a cage.

My cage is formed by many stereotypes concerning my ethnicity.

No matter how bright I may shine, I feel I’m always looked down on because of my cage.

My cage makes me feel limited on what extent I can succeed in life.

I will not allow for this to happen!

Society and stereotypes will not govern my actions, mindset, or my self-esteem.
I will hold my head high and be proud of the skin I’m in.

For I am my own person:

I choose my future

I choose how I will be treated

and I choose not to allow society to degrade me.

I am born in a cage but surey, I will not die in one.

I will work hard and overcome any obstacle that prevents me from reaching my goals.

I will be free!

© Daniel N., Boston, MA

The author's comments:
8 hateful words inspired this piece: Afrian-Ameican girls are the lowest form of humanity. I came across these words while I was browsing youtube comments. As soon as I read this comment I ran to my room and started writing away. Writing this poem was very therapeutic to my tense feelings.
Post a comment
Submit your own

Similar Articles

Previous Next
Poetry
Brother
By Anonymous
Poetry
Untitled
By sHaDoWnInJa PLATINUM
West Jordan, Utah
sHaDoWnInJa PLATINUM, West Jordan, Utah
31 articles 0 photos 3 comments
View profile
Poetry
The Top
By imperfection GOLD
Gilroy, California
imperfection GOLD, Gilroy, California
17 articles 9 photos 45 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Dream as though you'll live forever, live as though you'll die today."
~James Dean (1931-1955), American Motion Picture Actor, symbol of rebellion

View profile
Poetry
The Death Sentence
By Chris Shu BRONZE
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Chris Shu BRONZE, Fort Lee, New Jersey
1 article 0 photos 0 comments
View profile
Poetry
Motley Crue: I really hear you
By Arbys GOLD
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Arbys GOLD, Dobbs Ferry, New York
15 articles 0 photos 1 comment

Favorite Quote:
"I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity."Edgar Allan Poe
"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. ~Colin Powell" ~ Colin Powell
"Wisdom is not finally tested in the schools, Wisdom
"A poem is never finished, only abandoned."-Paul Valery

View profile
Poetry
Do It Now!
By Lost-In-Life GOLD
Whitby, Other
Lost-In-Life GOLD, Whitby, Other
11 articles 0 photos 299 comments

Favorite Quote:
It's never to late, if it weren't for the last minute many things would never get done!

View profile

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 1 comment.

Dee 1 said...
on Oct. 24 2012 at 9:47 pm
I loved the article, it is very inspiring to all the beautiful african girls out there, fitghting for their spot under the sun. I want to bring to the attention of African children's parents, the importance of praising your kids, apecially the girls. Saying things to degrade your children will only lower down their self steem. Praise your children, show you love them and they will learn that they are worthy, lift their self confidence and that will help them conquer the hostile world out there. Building a strong girl beggins at home, the parents are the structure that their kids will rely on. I am not an African, but I am an immigrant girl, who suffered all kinds of prejudice right under my skin... Love to all you beautiful African Girls out there... you rule sisters!!! Be your BEST, show the world you CAN!!!