Struggles

Struggles

When I was a tot,

I really loved to play,

but my papa used to say

“You stay away from that child”

I didn´t understood what he meant;

he was pale like a ghost

I was dark as the night

but we both had hands and feet

and we both liked candy and cars.

When I was a teen,

I loved a gorgeous girl,

but my mama used to say

“You stay away from that gal”

I barely understood what she meant;

her eyes were a cloudless sky,

my eyes were filled with stars,

and together we were a world

that no one else could understand.

Now in adulthood I remember

what my nana used to say

“My boy, things have changed”

and now I understand

that she was in a mistake.

She said I can walk freely,

for I can move among white feet,

but I´m not free of their hateful looks

their fear when I wear a hood

and their kicks on my rear.

To be afraid of the police

whenever they pass by!

We´re the Turkish head

when everything falls apart!

We, the threat for living creatures,

the menace to the children,

corruptors of the women,

gold diggers to the men.

Bittersweet memories of my past!

Scars of my skin and my mind,

you poor victims of the chains,

that curse my path in life.

If freedom ever comes

for me and my brothers in disgrace,

I´m afraid I will not see it;

perhaps I will believe it

and it will still be a lie.