Through Tainted Eyes

I see the world
through tainted eyes-
clouded by institutional deceit
and constitutional plots.
Tinged with the yellow hue
of hatred and discrimination
passed down from fathers
to their sons
over tuna casserole
and green salads.
Irritated by the smoke
from flaming crosses
and burning flesh.

Tinted with a film
of deep mistrust
and the glare of
presumed guilt.
Blurred and obscured
by folks clutching purses
when my 13 year-old son
enters an elevator.
Shaped by the fact
that my husband
better NOT
"leave home without it";
and I don't mean
his American Express Card!

Disturbed to know
that my brothers
with nice cars can't drive
without being pulled over-
"Driving while Black,"
I think they call it.
And my friends
can't walk the streets
without being harassed
because they
"fit the description of….."

Affected by the notion
that if I'm in an exclusive store,
I'm tracked from the time I enter
until the time I leave
because I must be there to steal-
I couldn't possibly afford
to buy anything!
Twisted by the remarks
that folks don't think I hear.
And don't care if I do.

Poisoned by the fact that
to some, a black leather wallet
looks like a gun.
Now you tell ME
whose eyes need fixing!


Through tainted eyes continues >