This burden is too great, I find betrayal such a heavy load. Tis not enough to say that I can pray it away, when the devil lives just down the road.

Black boy stripped of his innocence.
Black boy denied his right to be a kid.
Black boy labeled since birth.
Black boy criminalized.
Black boy stereotyped.
Black boy violated.
Black boy silenced.
Black boy monitored.
Black boy put into a box.
Black boy seen as a menace.
Black boy forced to grow too fast.
Black boy with his back to the world.
Black boy, you are loved
Black boy, you are a prince
Black boy, you are beautiful
Black boy, you are smart and worthy.
Black boy, go on and speak your truth.
Black boy, go on and dance.
Black boy, go on and sing.
Black boy, go on and paint.
Black boy, go on and be a kid.

Poetry is a punch
If you don't get it.
Poetry is a big hug
If you welcome it.

Poetry is a mountain
If you're not prepared .
Poetry can be a hill
If you're fit and healthy.

Poetry is rocket science
If it's not your calling.
And a walk in the park
If it's engraved in your soul.

Poetry is the river Nile,
It has many tributaries.
Poetry,like this borrowed life,
Has many similarities.

#IvanBrookspoetry ©️
#Basssapoet ✍️