I fear for your life, more than you'll ever know.
You're the best friend, I didn't even know I needed.
I fear for your skin, your voice, your actions.
I fear that one day I'll wake up and not hear your voice.
That I'll wake up one day and not see your face.
I'll wake up one day and not feel your hugs, lingering on my skin long after you've let go.
I fear.
I fear for everything about you.
Because you've already lost before you can even try to win.
Born to this world with mahogany skin…
that is death itself.
That is a death sentence you didn't even know you had.
You were born to this world chained and shackled and you'll never be given the key.
You'll forever walk on eggshells, forever have to pass the test. The test of life.
You will always have to prove yourself in more ways than one.
I am scared for you.
Scared for you.
Scared when you get pulled over by the police…
Scared that they just see another black boy that doesn't deserve a place in this world.
I fear that I'll get that dreaded call, with my mom profusely crying on the other end…
My heart breaks because you'll never get the chance.
The chance for them to see that you are more than the color of your skin.
That you are more than the nappiness in your hair.
More than the deepness in your voice.
That you are a son, a brother, a grandson, a friend and a boyfriend with so much to live for.
That you are a college degree.
A musician.
An athlete.
That you are loved, by the world and the world loves you.
I fear for things that you shouldn't have to worry about.
My sweet baby brother I fear for things you'll never understand. I fear for your life.
A life you may never live.
I fear for the tears that streamed from my grandmother's face as you left for college.
I fear.
I fear for you.
I fear for your life.
I fear for the chance you may never get.
I fear...