I still feel the slap of disgrace in humanity and

I will still feel the grip of xenophobia

It feels like water up my nose when I can swim but

I Still Can’t Breathe

I hear thoughts that are often unspoken but foretold

I can hear them whisper “not a good fit”

It sounds like “cut your crown and glory” but

I Still Reign

I smelt the fragrance of ancient ruins

I smell the dust, the dirt, on American history 

It smells like making the best out of the worst.

I’m Still Hopeful  

I’ve tasted only samples of your stars and stripes

I hunger for more red and blue than my appetite can afford

It tastes like survival and I get by on mine

I Still Want More

I saw them march, and run, and fight and

I saw them sit, stand and cry

It looks like change could never come but

I’m Still Redeemed