I Want

I don't want to be afraid.

I don't want resentment.

I don't want anger.

I don't want to feel helpless.

And yet when you stop me,

that is all I can feel.

I don't want to pray.

“Please keep me alive.

Let me survive

Please lord!

Let me go back home

to my own.”

I want to feel safe,

like you, and him, and her.

I want to be me

and still be safe.

I want you to see me.

I want you to accept me

With all my differences.

I don't want you to be my predator.

I want you to be my protector.

I want you,

yes, you.

You in blue.

I want you to see me

as one of your own.

I want you to let me breathe.

—S. Swan