White On The Outside

Born and raised in the city
tall buildings and crowded streets
people rushing everywhere
nameless faces
each living within their own little world
too busy to see outside it

Listening to words spoken
by people ignorant..
uninformed...
racist against others..
with a different coloured skin.
"a Redskin"
"those natives"
"just an Indian"

Friendships born
and time spent in a different place
teenage dreams shared
between good friends
that didn't notice
their skin colour
red...
and white.

Trying to ignore words spoken
by people ignorant
uninformed..
racist against others...
"a Redskin"
"those Natives"
"just an Indian"

A new life begun
accepted and welcomed
like family
THEY were able to see
past the outside
the colour of my skin
to see ME
on the inside.

On the inside
I have changed
reborn...
a different woman...
prayers to the Creator
for strength...
for courage...
Sweetgrass I burn
to calm me
I follow the Red Road

But on the outside
my skin is still white
and I listen to words whispered
by people ignorant
uninformed...
racist against others...
with a different coloured skin
"a Redskin"
"those Natives"
"just an Indian"

And my heart
beats with anger and frustration
Are they blind?
Why can't they see?
that underneath the skin
We are all the same
when we bleed!

by iskwesis
posted on 12/29/2007