December 25, 2020
I came alive through no design of mine,
Enlisting in a Caucasian, non-wealthy
Family who enjoyed safe and healthy
Lives and never needed to define
Its racial status, nor to toe the line
Of heritage. There was no need for stealthy
Conduct, as we wore accepted belts—re-
Dundant badges of the “ins.” No shrine
Advantaged us with noble birth or place,
But we were never hassled due to skin
Hue. And yet, I saw dark-hued denizens
Corralled invisibly, though citizens,
And I did nothing, as I was an “in.”
My comfort zone no longer shows its face.
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