THE ODYSSEY OF BEING POOR, FEMALE, YOUNG AND BLACK

You would look at her and judge her by your false standards
Each of us have faults, for perfection was not apiece of the rib of creation of the mammal the domains
- The only animal that contains discretion- that causes discrimination.
"The law is an ass," Shakespeare said.
So what of Chief Magistrates and Chief Justices who cannot justify what is a crime!
AND
Only the un-wealthy must pay for their crime
BUT
Poverty itself is a crime, though not committed by the poor.
And why must you judge her
When you don't know her
But always have an insult to show her
She dreams like you do but was not given ample opportunity to see them come through
What do you know about being bed-ridden ill and still have to do for yourself!
Drag your dignity across the floor
Cause mama's reason is there no more
The age of her innocence has been incarcerated by the guilt
-That she can't finish school-
-That she has to work-
AND not just work BUT WORK three times more than the ones whose mummy packs
Lunch
And hugs
And Good Morning!
Good evening!
How was your day?
And you would still look at her and tell her she needs clothes,
Skin care products!
When all she needs is a chance
A chance of respect from you
A chance in life to be able to find the happiness she deserves
For her soul cries
More than her eyes
AND HER EYES have filled oceans
Oceans that engulf this island
This Island that is mis-managed
By the Man-ning charge
And still you want to judge her
When you dare not cast the first stone

Copyright by Sheldon SB Manoo 16/3/07