response to the Daily Prompt: Black
*Author’s note: I’m aware I’m using the word ‘Ballad’ loosely*
Come into the world, screaming, crying
10 fingers and 10 toes
The doctor declares you perfect
But he can’t know what’s to come
For the world itself can’t fathom
How a person can be two things at once
Black and white together, in one tiny person
It’s too much for their brains
Two half pieces make a whole
At least that’s how it’s supposed to be
But as anyone with partial pieces knows
That is never the case
Because half is not enough for either side
You’re too light or you’re too dark
People always questioning what you are
Eventually, you start responding ‘guess’
The self-question inevitably begins
Am I enough? White enough, Black enough
Passing privilege weighs heavily
Feeling black but not looking it- Do I count?
Black Lives Matter. Does mine?
Can I use my voice to speak of injustice
Do threats on my life earn me enough credits
Can I buy my way into being a legitimate minority
Worries about fitting in fade away
This is what I tell myself anyway
I say ‘I can’t change who I am’
But still, I wish I belonged somewhere
Stim the Line 