White Man’s Burden

 

-------White Man’s Burden-------

 

What if 

the stories we told ourselves 

were love stories?

 

Odes of joy

and not

denial.

 

How might 

the world 

be different 

 

If those in power 

followed 

their own constitution?

 

If accountability 

was something that children learned 

was courage?

 

Imagine 

the possibilities 

that could unfold

 

If this country honored treaties

and the promise made 

of emancipation.

 

Oh, 

how things 

would change

 

If the white man 

did not turn 

toward anger

 

But loved 

ourselves 

enough to reckon

 

With the shame 

and burden 

we carry.

 

-------