High risk.
You act like a hazardous virus.
A case of nuclear waste,
not enough of a human to earn your space
in this world till the end of days.
No one cheers for an unfinished race…
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why is the colour such a freak to you?
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why is the colour such a freak to you?
You’re lucky i’m not racist…
You’re lucky you can’t raise fists,
or raise above your race and take control of this circus.
You think we like this?
Never ending crowd control because you think you’re somewhat powerful?
We hate this.
How can we be racist if you fail to act like a race first?
This chase hurts.
You make our families doubt us when you get kicked to the curb face first.
You should be grateful. Forget about pride and belief.
You sound hateful.
Hate is a fuel you can’t handle.
Just pretending you’re not around is a crime. Such a handful.
My dad says you’re all the same. Not the same as us, mind you.
More like an alien race mucking up earth’s face. Such a filthy aftertaste.
I hate you in uncountable ways.
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why is the colour such a freak to you?
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why is the colour such a freak to you?
You’re lucky we’re not racist..
Why did god make you seem human?
I don’t like our similarities or the way i talk the same like you man.
Shut it! You’re confusing me!
Stop trying to make sense! You’re not what you seem. You’re disgusting!
Last night i cried.
There’s no way my parents would lie to me or even try to be racist right?
What if they might?
What if they already did Ray?
What is being racist anyway?
Why did mom and dad hit me instead of just explain?
I think i’m sorry Ray.
I think i don’t see we’re different in any way.
So let’s play outside today.
What do you mean “no way!”? Your parents don’t want us to play together you say?
Why is that Ray? Why don’t they let us be kids and play?
They don’t think we match? They think we’re a risk?!
Oh right… i bet your parents are fucking racists.
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why is the colour such a freak to you?
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why is the colour such a freak to you?
Why does my skin speak to you?
Why does my skin speak to you?
Note: An alternative version is available on my YouTube channel.
LOVE THIS!! Love the art work! Love the song/poem!!
There is so much to say about this poem/song, but not sure where to begin. Yes, racism and bigotry are taught, whether in the home or even more in a society where racism is built into its very fabric and from the very beginning. Genocide and Slavery (yes existing today), are the founding morality and ethos of this country, of the whole capitalist development. America was NEVER GREAT and has always been 2 countries within a single country. In today’s world and society, we see the results and continuation of this divide. And, unless it is stopped, everything will get even worse.
Drieks, your poem is right on time!! Sing it LOUD!! Back in the day, we would say: “Seize the time; Seize the power”!
Curt
Thank you for taking time to comment Curt. I apologize for my late reply. Life gets in the way some times.
I live in the Netherlands and racism is an issue here as well. Honestly, pick any place on earth and racism emerges i guess.
Racism always strikes me as such an unintelligent and self destructive mind set. It is truly baffling. I wrote this piece over 5 years ago and still stand behind every syllable.
I thought it was kind of funny/typical when i uploaded this song on my youtube channel, it had to be checked by someone from youtube if it was ok to upload. The title “Not Racist” could be offensive right?! haha. We are a funny race, that’s for sure.
Beautifully ugly truth, my friend. This may seem unrelated because it is so mild by comparison. But, it reminded me of when I was in high school in my small town of Waco, Texas. I had begun writing then and I was also active in Speech and Drama competition. I wanted to use my own work, but that was not allowed, so I adopted the pen name, “L. Cohen,” a phonetic rearrangement of the letters of my name, of a sort. My mother was aghast. “Why choose THAT name? she asked. I explained, and she said, “But that’s JEWISH! Aren’t you worried?” “Why would I be worried, mom? I asked her, innocently. “Oh, never mind, she said. I was truly puzzled. We had never talked about race. We had never been around people of other races. But I knew racism when I heard it, and I was hearing it from my own mother. Though I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone of any race, I never looked at her the same way again. Later that year, our school desegregated, 1965. Oddly (many people thought), there were no problems — at least, not among the kids. It was simply “novel” at worst. At best, I had some new friends.
Hey FD! Thank you for taking time to read/listen and comment. I’m sorry for taking so long to reply.
I can relate to your story unfortunately. My parents both had these tendencies. But they would always play it off as a joke.
Growing up in such an environment is toxic.
People who are unintentionally racist cause more harm than they realise.
Powerfully penned, Drieks. Incredible lyrics my friend you are one with your craft. Excellent work as always, your arrangement complements the lyrics nicely. And the message is received.. Appreciate you.
Damian
Thank you Damian. Always appreciate your input! 🙏
Love this Lady, call it out
Thank you! 🙏
Girl, YESSSSSSS!!!
You’re a beautiful human with a beautiful heart and soul. Phenomenal production you have here.
Racism is ugly. Anyone who is aware, who has empathy, who has an open mind and soul and who isn’t racist, has the power to affect change. You, girl, are one of those people.
Drieks for President! Oh, wait. You don’t live in the US….darn 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am not worthy 🙏
The current president seems to be from another planet so maybe i’ll have a chance! 🤷♀️
I think you have an excellent chance!
Drieks amiga! What a powerful message. I’m honored to know you!
I can’t say I’ve experienced racism. Not the way my parents did back in the day.
My mom was very involved with who I hung out with and their parents.
If she didn’t like them it was a no fly zone. lol
My mom would love this!
The world needs this right now. It’s like we are going backwards as a society.
Not just with the color of our skin but in tolerance of different perspectives.
Thank you Adelphina! The honor is all mine.
I 100% agree with you. I grew up around racist people and I remember not understanding the hate. I’m glad that i still don’t.
Your mother sounds like an amazing woman!