A Black Man Plea

What took you so long to notice me?

Did you not see me struggling?

What about when they told you, you couldn't have me and a place to stay or food to eat?

You never saw my tears when daddy time became every other weekend then one weekend a month because my boss wouldn't give me time off?

When did you notice me?

Notice that I hurt too?

Was it when the next man was the best man cause he could give what I tried and couldn't provide so I gave my heart but society said its not enough?

Or maybe it was when you said I was in my feelings cause you moved on when it was this system that led you on, fashioning a lifestyle on tv it could never honor?

Nah you still didn't see me!

Was it when I volunteered to serve a country who does me disservice daily?

Or when I chose the block to get the things that would grab your attention knowing they couldn't hold it because the school of life has told us to always look to greener pastures?

Was it when I lashed out in anger at you cause my manhood is castrated from sun up to sun down by an ever evolving definition of what's a good man and your independence I admire but can't compete with,

Was it when I punched holes in walls and screamed even unjustifiably threatening you because you too being abused by lack took from me all I had left saying I can do bad by myself 

Or was it when my hands were up and I begged him not to shoot, or I tried to open my skittles in my hoodie, or sell my CDs to buy milk, or take a ride with you in one of our moments of peace.

My only question is did you notice me too late

A black man plea