My Beautiful,

American Child –

Which side

of the line,

will you-

get to stand on?

Will you get to

speak your mind,

perhaps act out –

or nod quietly

not to stand out

Will you get to excel

with no skills

and pure doubt

Or walk cautiously,

head down

so you won’t

be taken out

Are you free

to protest

when your

feelings get hurt

Or labeled a thug

the moment

of your birth

Will you be blessed

with privileges

you won’t recognize

Or will your rights –

simply be suggestions,

because you will be

on the other side

My beautiful –

American Child

Which side

of the line,

Will you –

get to stand on?