To: white gaze 

From: A teenage black boy 

 

I walk down the street 

But I feel something looking over my shoulder 

So I take off my hood, I feel less guilty 

 

I’m only talking to my friends 

But I feel something looking over my shoulder 

So I change my tone of voice, I feel less guilty  

 

I start getting ready for school 

But I feel something looking over my shoulder 

So I go and look for a belt to wear with pants that already fit perfectly, I feel less guilty 

 

I go and look for a hoodie to wear 

But I feel something looking over my shoulder 

I brush it off and put on my black hoodie knowing the consequences, and when I get searched for appearing suspicious, I do everything they ask of me knowing I’m not guilty 

 

I go home the proudest I’ve ever felt. Only a select few can feel what I just felt, and I’m okay with that. I only feel guilty it took so long.