They say I should be like everyone else
But I know I’m different

I am sculpted by the hand of society
My limits defined
Not by me,
But others

Those who don’t know me
Make assumptions about who I am
Because of the way I look

As children, we are taught that everyone is equal
But that’s not true
As we mature we realize
That the world is not as perfect as we once made it out to be

Time goes on,
Racism evolves
Adapts
Grows

The same children who are told
That their possibilities in life are endless
Age
Mature
Understand

They realize they are trapped
Caught in a web spun by reality
Crushed by the hate and ignorance of others,
The same who once said,
“You can do anything”

But in a world full of oppression
A single flame lights a path
A path of hope and opportunity

This fire ignites a sense of belonging in all
Who dare to look it in the eye
Allows and escape from hate
A chance for greatness