BLACK MIRROR
by K. B. Johnson © Summer, 2020
(Also insprired by actual events)

Man, walking with dignity layered under pretense.
Looking at me like: Don't start nuthin', won't be nuthin'.
Do you know your oppressor yearns for that courage—
In exchange for sumthin’?
Oh, but you’re his hate.
A four century old mandate,
To lash out at anyone—but him?
But it’s cool.
I see you.
I see your self-worth.
After all, you are the world’s first birth.

Woman, walking with pride, curves more free than spirit.
Coming at me like Ramonda.
Do you really expect a “king’s” bow to not teaching his heart Wakanda?
And I ain’t the competition taught you by oppression.
But it’s cool.
I see you.
I see you overcoming every day’s rife.
Just remember though, without your darkness, there is no life.


PREVIOUS   |   VERSES