Poem from the upcoming book, Thorn to the Eye: A Black Person's Guide to Unplugging from the System
- Jay Lovelii
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
White Man
White man, why do you hate us so
Is it because of our melanin glow?
It can’t be because we have so much soul.
No?
Is it the coily crop that adorns our top?
Is it our spiritual essence that you seek possession?
Because we’d love to know
How you can hate what God creates
Especially if you think He makes no mistakes
White man, the Black man is here to stay
Not be used like a fixture, but to be featured
Not to be taken out like a leacher
We built this country
Blood, sweat, and death
So why do you want us to hate ourselves?
We don’t hate you
Despite all that you do
We try to get along with you
Or we want nothing to do with you
But you?
Can’t say the same
You stripped of us everything, even our name
You took credit for all that we created and owned
You couldn’t take our rhythm, but you did take our songs
I just wanna know what’s wrong?
Is it because you forgot where you belong?
Whatever it is, don’t take it out on us
If you love everyone, then build back our trust
Don’t make excuses for those who came before us
Use your privilege like a weapon, but not towards us
Use it to fight the ones that look like you
White man, you travelled distant sands
Just to take from the Black man
And all we ask through it all
Is for you to give us a break
Ain’t much more you can break
Ain't much more you can take”
Excerpt From
Thorn to the Eye: A Black Person's Guide to Unplugging from the System
Jay Lovelii
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