You 'Have' To Notice It Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Lets...
Discuss,
Racism.
And how it affects you daily.

'It doesn't.'

Comeon.
You have to notice it?

'I do.'

So...
You are affected.

'No.
I am not.'

Of course you are.
You are obviously black.
A black man.

'And? '

If I were black I would notice that.
Everywhere I would notice it.
Everywhere I went...
It would be on my mind.
In my consciousness.
I'd be full of resentment.
I wouldn't be able to sleep,
Knowing I stood out amongst all people.
I would feel insecure.
Emotionally tormented inside,
With wishes to be white.
I would be...

Are you done?

'Yes.
But I just wanted you to know,
How I would feel...
IF I were a black man.'

Sorry to disappoint you.
Perhaps my commitment,
To having an identity with purpose first...
Has not prioritized my being black.
As much as you have.
Are you hoping one day I will feel inferiror?

'You don't? '

By what or who?

'Those who feel they are better than you.'

I don't fantasize.
But I realize there are many who do.
And I notice them everywhere I go.
You have to notice it too?

'I don't.'