In my current experience of moving from a fully Black community in another country, to living in a mostly white community, I feel the stares of everyone looking at me like an outsider as I sit in class, not looking or sounding like others. I find myself thinking about instances of racism and discrimination because of my appearance, whether my different hair or skin color, or the assumption that I cannot do certain things because of who I am, or how I am perceived. Being different from others, awakens all different types of fear in me.
The fear to be heard.
The fear of not fitting in
The fear of not being loved as I am
These all leave me with so many “what ifs”.
What if I don’t fit in?
What if I am not accepted?
What if! What if! what if!
I guess the whole experience isn’t what I thought it would be.
A World of So Many Voices
So many broken families
So many broken hearts
So many broken friendships
So many broken relationships
So many broken marriages
A world of so many voices
Crying for help
Crying out of fear
Crying out of pain
Crying out of anger
Crying out of shame
It sucks because not all voices are heard
Not every cry is heard
‘Cause most voices are hidden in dark corners
Hoping to be heard or found
A world of so many voices