How do I shed the label
of a white oppressive man
Do I listen to the message
of Obama’s “Yes we can!”
Perhaps I’ll go out marching
With women take to the streets
Hold placards of “Black Lives Matter”
While trying to feel their pained heart beats
Still I wonder should I feel guilty
for horrible things my race has done
Or would it not be better
If I instead loved everyone
My friends are many religions
Jewish, Muslim, Christian Too
I’ve conversed with Jehovah witnesses
if you are Sikh I can learn from you
I’m unconcerned with color
or the kind of clothes you wear
I’m more interested in your story
and the heart you’re willing to share
Don’t see me as an enemy
Just because my skin is white
Understanding will replace our fear
Conversations can make things right
No one wants to be looked at
through the lens of a clouded eye
If you and I are both willing
a different logic will apply
In the end we are brothers and sisters
there is but one human race
Each person wants a sense of belonging
It’s up to us to create that space.
Richard Lamoureux, Kelowna