But I’m an altar boy who helps my priest every Sunday...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

I was taught by my parents to love everyone...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

But I helped the blind man cross the busy street...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

I woke up this morning...
Wrapped warmly in my white sheets...
And I don’t feel guilty for being me...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

But I help the young mother put her groceries in her car...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

I stayed after school today to help my friend with his math homework...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

But I cut the front lawn for the elderly lady on the corner...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

Why am I all of a sudden having my history and my favorite childhood books cancelled...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

Why are all the names of schools and parks and street names being changed from my historical heroes to people I’ve never even heard of...
“That’s because you’re a racist!”

Why am I being told to feel guilty for the color of my skin when I always heard I should be judged by the content of my character...
“That’s because you’re not woke!”

© 2021 Jeffrey Pipes Guice