The White Man's Curse

Years Ago
I returned
to the
land of 
my ancestors
where
life
is lived
in simplicity
and 
the animal
kingdom
is just
an extension
to a harmonious 
community

The Everglades
are the fortress
where
secrets
lie

We ran
and we
blended
within
the White Man's
hand

Many of us
lost 
our culture
and identity 
in order
to survive

Recently
I was
told
I need
to accept
and keep
check
my 
"White Privilege"
My response
was
how can 
I accept
something
I am not
apart
of?
True I can "Pass"
My Grandmother
could "Pass"
this was the 
only
reason
why
we could
avoid
Persecution

Then it 
was said
if you
enjoyed
the ability
of
being 
able to
"Pass"
then naturally
you benefited
from "White Privilege"

My response
how can
you benefit
when you
were
forced
to live 
in the 
dark?

Exiled
from the
reservation
loss
in tribal
membership
inability
to hear
the voices
of my ancestors
through chant
and song

No
There is 
no benefit
of being
thought
of as
White
it is
a
curse