I am an American.
And I’m not the One labeling myself Black.
I am human.
So why is your first instinct to attack?
I am a Woman.
It’s not a green light to dominate or discriminate.
I try to be kind, just, fair and show empathy.
But you won’t see that if you don’t pause to know me.
I am not my skin or color.
I’m not my physical features.
I can’t make them into something other.
Nor should I want to either.
I was put on this Earth by something greater than me.
I just want to live my life.
Be the best me I can be.
So who gives anyone the right to throw stones my way?
How can others decide I should not have a stay?
Some seem to think I’m not worth the life I was given.
Denigrating my life then becomes their mission.
Shouldn’t we all prefer to focus on something more meaningful?
Like making sure we do and make better.
That should be an all-out endeavor.
I am Human – That, I cannot change.
Will you be humane, for Humanity’s sake?
We are all Human – Already here, already born.
We don’t need someone’s blessing or permission
To feel or think that we belong.
We hope that toward us, others are humane.
But we must remember that to them
We are obligated to do the same.