It Starts With YOU
One finger tucked in, three fingers pointing back at ME
I’m in the majority, therefore, that leaves one finger pointing at YOU
Yes! It starts with YOU
Respect, Equality, Justice
What do they mean to YOU?
They’re the things that US as black people
African Americans and light skinned people seek
But what steps are WE putting in place to achieve these things?
Disrespecting each other, promoting violence, unprotected sex
Putting our skin color on a spectrum to create separation by the shades of our beauty
Why?
Because those are what sells and helps put US in the lime light
Only for that fifteen minutes of fame
Meanwhile, we watch our brothers and sisters murdered innocently, still no justice
We struggle day in and day out tirelessly, still no equality
We encounter racism around us on the daily, still no respect
From time to time, we take a few steps forward
Protesting and demanding respect, equality and justice
Only for that fifteen days of shame
We must ask ourselves, is that enough?
Knowledge is power and yes many of YOU can’t attend college
But college isn’t everything and you won’t learn it all in college
Knowledge won’t come knocking down the door for YOU
The free public library and a dictionary, there go your opportunity
Wait, damn, look at myself, pointing fingers at YOU
In the middle of this rant, something hit me and stopped me in my track
And boy did it struck me like a knife and I had to retract
I realized I should be practicing what I’m preaching and doing the same thing too
Ever had these similar thoughts running through your head
Feeling like everyone is to blame but YOU?
Then it’s time to take that hand and point it back towards YOU
Noticed how the only one now to blame for fueling the changes we seek is YOU
Not the other person in front of you or the other race for what they do or don’t do
So yes, whether you like it or not or choose to accept or deny it
It does start with YOU
— Woodlynn Sance—-
11/24/15
Introvertedly Quirky 