Excuse Me Sir

Excuse me sir... officer, judge; I said I didn't do it

I didn't beat that man to death and I swear that

I can prove it.

I was at a game in overtime when this crime was

going down.  I know there has to be several other

black tall men around.

The judge looked over to me and said I was the one to blame

he said even if It wasn't you we need someone to name.

It's lynching time around these parts and we need a man

that's black, handcuffed my hands, scuffed my head, then

threw me in the back.

I asked; but isn't this America? The land where everyone's free?

he said I'm sure there's been a mistake you see the free

they look like me.

I looked at my skin then at his and knew one thing was clear

20th Century racism exists, my hearts biggest fear.

They threw me in a cell with men all fighting, crying, to use the phone

all wishing America was a place that they could call a home

But I guess it's not, I know though now I'm just another face

judged soley on my born trait, I bare the negro race.

                                      
 By, Michelle D Jones