I Am Poem by Dio Rivera

I am a brown warrior
Living in a society of horror
In a dark and dangerous place
Trying to get out, looking for ways
Being told that I'm weak and skinny
Telling me I'm a loser but really, I'm winning
Trying to get out of this society and be respected
Searching for a place where I feel connected
I am from a family of proud Chicanos
Standing in my father's footsteps which I follow
Standing as a role model for my sisters
Staying strong so they can be winners
Being told to respect that I'm brown
Coming home to make my family proud
Family telling me to do my best
Waking up everyday striving for success
I am stereotyped as "Not man enough"
Others don't know my life was rough
Being told that I'm stupid
But really my mind is lucid
Being told I'm not successful
Forcing me to try hard and hustle
Hearing I'm not strong and can't fight
Saying I'm weak and too light
I am hear to change society
From being dark and becoming mighty
Here to be a leader in my community
Working hard and striving for Unity
Here to end racism and police brutality
Here to save the world from fatalities
Standing proud representing Mi Raza
Representing myself, my family, Mi Casa
I am going to be remembered for my commitment
Remembered for the ways I'm livin
Will be remembered for my poems
And hope that others will know them
I am Dio, who leads and doesn't follow
Standing brown and proud hoping for a better tomorrow