Ghetto

I knew I was different,
not very different, but my difference was obvious.
I always knew but for some reason it felt stronger this day.
So I stood up from amongst them,
not because I felt unwanted,
but because I felt I tainted their white sky.
A taint that to some creates exotic beauty,
but to the other something else.

As I stood up, my limbs began to move,
faster and faster and faster.
I didn't look back and didn't know where I was going
but my limbs controlled me and I kept moving.
The sun struck my bare shoulder like a slave master's whip
but my limbs kept moving faster and faster

I saw no obstacles, but I saw the land before me
It was home to my soul,my ghetto
as my limbs slowed, I closed my eyes
then slammed into a brickwall that was my prince
In his embrace I knew though I was different to some, I was same with another and more.
Hanging unto his neck my limbs gave way and felt only air.

You flew like an eagle, they said
Your gracefulness can only be matched by the sleek panther's, they said
Your flight was unobstructed though there were many obstacles
And you faded from sight like the railroad track

I knew I was different
not very different, and my difference wasn't obvious.
I always knew but for some reason it felt stronger this day.
perhaps because they acknowledge it,
so I stood up not because I felt unwanted,
but because I had to give my thanks.
I was strong and could run like none of them but like my prince could
To those who had thought I tainted their White skies I had become an exotic creature
and to the other an African feline...But what does it matter...

I knew I was different,
maybe very different, and my difference was obvious.
I always knew but for some reason it felt stronger this moment.
So I stood up from amongst them,
because I felt unwanted,
because I felt I only beautified their white because of my talent.
I felt unwanted...so I ran and ran till I got back to my ghetto.