Stigma

CATEGORY

life

Were you happy to place me in your system

Did it feel good to restrict my limbs with your shackles

Am I too dark to have a record with no blemish 

Or was I just another number to add to your quota 

You make light of it

Referring to the situation as a misdemeanor 

But if it was so minor

Why was I taken out of my car?

Why was I handcuffed on the side of a busy road?

Why were you so hostile?

Maybe because I'm an example 

Another young black man that must be taught a lesson

And everyone that passes by needs to be reminded

That almost every black man in America a blemish on their record

In reality

I was bound

I was restricted

I was embarrassed 

I was photographed 

I was finger printed

I was placed in the system

Not for stealing 

Not for drugs 

Not for murder

But because the system can't stand to see a black man without s stigma