we're still waiting for the equality
we were promised when we were
released from bondage.
still waiting for the equality
we were promised 54 years ago.
we still wear bright smiles and
stand tall as we wait outside
the large door.
the doorknob is cold,
the hinges have rusted,
the wood has splintered,
the elegant brown paint has chipped,
but we still wait outside, ready to join the party
and rejoice in the warmth.
but while time lags, our backs hunch,
our smiles shrink,
the door crumbles further.
and some of us start to leave, the longing
for the warmth inside the party
too great to be out in the cold.
others bang on the door,
their fists now covered in splinters.
they break windows, smash back doors,
beg on their knees while tears run.
But we're still waiting.
our bloody fists raised, our cheeks stained with white streaks,
waiting.
Broken and tired and upset,
but still waiting.