The Burden of Prejudice
He walks inside
To browse the wares
Of a fancy store.
Passing by the counter
He eyes a watch,
Admires it.
Placing it down
Next to the Rolex,
He turns to leave
But is stopped
By security
Because of simply
His appearance,
His color,
His dress.
He is judged
By the inadequacy
Of his clothes
And
By the color
Of his skin.
Their prejudice
Paints him blacker
Than the color
He already is.
Ashamed
He leaves,
His pride, broken.
Yet others
Look on
And ignore
A catastrophe.