Feeling misunderstood like a hyena seen as threatening when trying to

Protect her pack.

Walking

Into unwanted spaces

Tense

As if an outcast

Waiting for judgement day at Pride Rock.

Approaching conflict with softness and grace that no one else has to.

Exhausted

From putting energy and effort into an environment

That would rather erase your existence

Than acknowledge accomplishments.

Fatigued from social ambiguity while completing mundane task.

Seen

As a target to blame America’s problems on.

I

We did not ask to be here.

However

We

Have created sacred rituals.

Have planted roots of this nation.

Remain inspired by tomorrow.

And I am here and will continue to occupy space

Despite being misunderstood.