Typewriter Rodeo: Perspective

The ongoing reckoning over racism in the United States inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Perspective

I’m lucky
I don’t know what it’s like
To walk the street at night
To jog it during broad day
Always full of fear —
Not because of anything I did
But simply because of what others
See

I’m lucky
I don’t know what it’s like
To be afraid that calling the cops
Will make things worse
For me —
Not because of anything I did
But simply from what others
See

I’m lucky
I’ve always seen myself
Shining brightly back in books, TV shows, ads
I’ve never had jokes
Or laws
Made against me —
Simply because of what others
See

I’m lucky
I’ve always seen
Without noticing

I’m lucky
Which means I still have the most
To see
And change.

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