Tell me I am no more than the mere color of my skin? Do we not all have the same heartbeat within? Are we not all sons and daughters from our mother’s womb? Will we not all one day return to our final resting place, the tomb? Have you ever cried? So have I Have you ever felt lonely? So have I Have you ever loved deeply? So have I Then explain to me, why are we different? I have hopes and fears just like you Yet I am treated As though I am less than human As though I don’t have a mind that wants to be freed from hatred As though I don’t have a heart that is only seeking love and comfort Do you not understand that our colors may be different but our bodies are the same? Do you not know that I am you and you are me? We are one Can you not see that our colors are different but our spirits are the same, Both searching for some peace in this world? I am more than this outer shell in which I live I am more than the shackles that have entangled me I am more than the words of contempt that have been whispered in my ear And I am infinitely more than the bondage that has consumed my life So then, who am I? See, I am a blazing fire that will not be extinguished I am a mighty tower that cannot be shaken I am a vibrant spark that has not been dulled By the obstacles I have faced And I am a tree that has remained rooted after the storms of life So tell me once again, Am I simply the color of my skin? Do I not deserve to freely live?