"Colorblind" by Wrath James White
Colorblind
I wish
I could be colorblind
I wish I had that luxury
I wish
like a child
I could believe
that if my eyes are closed
I am invisible
I wish this black body
were not a target
That it could blend
into the mosaic tapestry
of this country
without casting a shadow
you find
so threatening
It must be choked
beaten
shot
silenced
I wish
It was as simple
as being polite
obeying the law
keeping both hands on the wheel
While also following commands
reaching for my license
both hands on the wheel
my insurance
hands visible at all times
my registration
both hands on the wheel
turning down the stereo
make no sudden moves
Stop resisting
the baton crushing my windpipe
stop resisting
the taser shocking me again and again
stop resisting
the fists, and boots, and batons
stop resisting
the knee upon my throat
I wish
that would make
the law
colorblind
This melanated skin
less threatening
My life
worth more
than property
I wish I could say
I love America
without feeling
like a whipped dog
that licks
the hand
that smacks it
I wish
I was never reminded
that you
and I
are different.