Because Am Black Poem by Stephanie Apila

BECAUSE AM BLACK
My name is barbaric and weird
That's not all still discontented
Now the type of food I like brings laughter
The Louis' confess

Tomorrow there will be a grand celebration
I can't come with them, my fate is different
Who will feed the puppies or,
Clean the courtyard?
And, on a Sunday! Clothes have to be rinsed

Alone I will stay conversing with non-humans
A true definition of loneliness
That am used to anyway
Their presence makes no difference
Am not allowed to speak casually
Silence is my responsibility
The workers can only rest in their sleep
That's me, am I not the black one?

Is this really my fault?
My heart bleeds…
Filled with undigested thoughts
Aren't the deceased better off?
Days are decades to the unprivileged
Life lived without any acquaintances
Valued by no one
Death can be my only savior
STEPHANIE APILA