Silence

The class chattered and shuddered to a stop,
after a command rang out from a higher level,
the angels fluttered, thought they were above reprimand,
it was time, they were not the ones with the magic wand.

One black angel said, you think our lives don't matter,
you thought that we were all white under the light,
you were wrong, think I'm a novelty, a spotty mystery,
I'm better, decent, not a mistake, an annoying anomaly.

I'm better because I'm humble, admit my indiscretions,
not like you, thinking that you come from 'motherland,'
look what I've had to endure - your ridicule, cynicism,
you wouldn't let me, allow, to get into any kind of rhythm.

We said: 'matter' - that means respect, recognise we exist,
not just another ethnic name on your stupid, convenient list.