poc

we’re more than

red

black

brown

yellow

categories of separation

simplistic colors used to define us

to mark our assumed differences

cut and dry with much lost in between

we’re more than the blood spilled by our ancestors

seeped into state lands bearing our names

lands we once owned but are now forced to rent

we’re more than the night you’re told to be wary of

that timeless belief that nothing good is ever wrapped in darkness

conditioned to trust light will cleanse it better

we’re more than the dirt caked onto your soles

compacted inches gained from tireless treading

emboldening demands that we lick our shoes clean

before we dare stand feet behind you

we’re more than the close-lipped smiles we wear

pain and frustration locked away by blind loyalty

to a country who still views us through binoculars

for it’s never seen something so exotic up close

we hope we’re more than this to you

more than the colors you’ve whittled us down to

that you see all the discolorations we’ve endured

all the indiscernible hues of our histories that led us here

and that you love us

accept us

let us grow freely with you

even when we choose to color outside the lines