Waiting for Change

I walk out the supermarket doors

“Ma’am” ringing in my ears

Reminder of a curse

Placed upon my birth

I smiled and said thanks of course

But oh how I wish

Anger wasn’t swelling under my pulse

Threatening to erupt

Ma’am should be drowned at sea

It’s body dragged up swollen and bruised

Then set alight while tribal folk preform a ritualistic dance

Further damming it to the depths of hell

Not recited as a false honorific

From a strangers well-meaning lips

Catapulting my mind into a well known whirlpool

Of shame, guilt and unsteady resolve to speak up next time