i am not your Black stereotype
yes, i am loud
and yes, i take up space
i am pissed at the world
and i’ll scream it in your face

i read books for leisure
i listen to music
just like your white neighbor
just like your white teacher

don’t put me in a box
don’t confine me to your rules
i am no longer your slave
no longer your tool

i will blossom and grow
and let everyone know
i will emerge from the shadows
and strike a deafening blow

i am not your Black stereotype
i need no correction
don’t call this line again
there is no connection