You’re welcome.
You hear me?
I said you’re welcome
for those eyes
like your mother’s
stolen sapphires
when you could’ve had your father’s mud puddles.
You’re welcome.
They make you look so innocent
so trusting.
Don’t forget I got you that troubleless hair too
The same hair that got you a good job
or at least didn’t keep you from one.
You really should be more grateful.
Your skin is default nude
default skin tone.
No one assumes you are uneducated.
I do that.
For you.
For Us.
All of us.
This ruling race of us.
Which is better than them.
Which deserves more than them.
Is it so hard to show a little gratitude?
It’s a compliment.
The way the cops won’t doubt you/press your face into the dirt.
The way bullets won’t hunt your light skin/your pink cheeks.
The way I built this place a bomb shelter for you.
Stop fighting for some part of you no one can see/wants to see.
Stop fighting for people that don’t look like you.
You got real lucky, girl.
Don’t you feel lucky?
Don’t you love the way I’ve made all of this easy for you?
You should show me how much you love it.
Show me with those colored-girl lips you ended up with.
Kneel for me like you’re scrubbing a floor—I know
you know how.
That’s in your blood.
I haven’t forgotten that you pass.
Maybe you forgot that I am the one who crowned you
queen of the paper bag prom
but that can be our little secret.
All you have to do is relax
and let it happen.