Imagine you’re at work
Trying to ignore the jerks
Boldly talking about race
My anger boiling over, about to catch a case
Did they forget I was here
If I showed my face would the discussion change gears
Regardless, they should be in fear
Speaking so freely, with me sitting so near
First they say “those people”
Soon come other words, like pitiful
“Them” and “they” become part of the conversation
They’re really testing me, I’m about to come to their location
If the roles were reversed
Could I make them feel worse
My turn to say what I feel
No filters
Would they make a big deal
I know not to complain
As it would only be in vain
My reputation would be forever changed
I’d become isolated, out of range
I walk by and they quickly shut up
They could see on my face, I'm about to erupt
But instead I go back to my desk
Keeping it together is a real test
Should I set it off
Let them know I’m not soft
But I need to keep my job
Either way, I feel robbed
I make the choice to just sit and simmer
In my office space
While they, now quietly, talk about my race.