We Are Not Foes Poem by Jessica Laurel

Come close, let me whisper in your ear.
Place a hand on your heart, promise that you'll hear,
that you'll listen to what I have to say and carry it with you always.
You are remarkable in so many ways.
You were wonderfully and fearfully made by God.
Hearing this from me might seem a bit odd
Since your demeanor screams that you hold yourself in high regard.
In that I see nothing untoward.
What I hold against you is your inability to recognize other people's greatness.
And I'm afraid you have yet to learn about kindness.
I'm afraid you have let yourself grow big-headed.
You've yet to realize that diversity is to be celebrated.
You've forgotten that skin color is not what makes a man great,
Quite frankly your attitude is beginning to grate.
Your ignorance and arrogance has led you to malevolence and violence.
You've robbed many a child of their innocence.
You've bred hatred in the hearts of some,
and as I feared retaliation was quick to come.
Look at what your inflated ego has done to us
You've reduced this nation to an endless stream of riots, of fuss
All because you couldn't understand that every life matters,
that just like you, we deserve the best of what life offers.
That you, dear, are not superior to the rest.
So lean closer still, place your hand upon my breast
Feel my heart beat inside my chest just like yours does
Listen to it tell you that we are not foes,
we are kindred, we are human, and this world is beautiful because of our little differences.