My Will
By Elissa Johnson
To the people out there who are painted by injustice… like myself.
Tell me something … For I do not know why. This body This mind Targeted by white lies. And yet how far we’ve came Just yesterday they were shouting my name. Liberty and Justice for all? This is not what we signed up for this injustice... Against our will ... White superiority or racial discrimination? Choose one Or maybe ignore it all and play pretend. Blinded by the bloodshed Africans Americans helped paint that picture Against their will... Lies and lies pile on the bodies still counting. Generations of those before me blanket this land built on slavery Against their will ... “The greatest nation in the world” How can this be? Please tell me or has the fouls played me? Time has passed. Still we believe in a just world where we can be free. Never ending saga Hate and blindsided cries. When will they listen? When will they lower their guns? When will they lower their stance? So tell them ... Acknowledge your privilege! Acknowledge your pride! Acknowledge your power Acknowledge your ticket to paradise while the others suffer and die ... We do not sit back and lounge around No we stand up fist towards the sky For change is what we need. America; what a disgusting name. Wash it out For reeks of ungodly actions ... Tired and Tired and Tired All we want is peace and equality. So tell me What is wrong with that? Reminder everyday Through all the pain This skin will cause me Target practice for racism We never asked for I never asked for And all of this … Against my will.
Process
This poem was originally for an assignment given to me and I decided to extend it. This work primarily focuses on the fate minorities like myself have dealt with even after everything that’s occurred in this country. I bring to question why this is still happening and bring light on who is behind the acts of injustice.
Elissa Johnson
Elissa Johnson is a 17-year-old high school senior who is passionate about writing, listening to music every day and loves exploring new things. She’s not talkative but once you get to know her she's someone you want to keep close. Elissa is respectful, has a funny sense of humor and is open-minded. She loves watching Netflix—anything scary—and chilling most of the time. French vanilla iced coffee/donuts are her fav, and going out with her friends is a luxury.