Dear Lord . . . I'm Tired of Being Black.

Dear Lord,

I'm not sure if I believe in past lives. But if they exist, exactly what did I do in order to deserve this fate that you have placed upon me for which I can never, ever escape? Many have tried but there is no bleach, no cream no mask that can cover me from the hate, the disdain, the outright fury that many have toward this darkened pigmentation.

I ask, what have I done? What act did I execute that would anger you so that it would cause you to lay upon me this burden. Why must I carry this load which weighs more than any scale could ever balance? What have I stolen from you that has brought upon me this rage, this intense exasperation for which you have elected to place upon me, over me and around me this tawny skin that infuriates so many when they simply gaze upon it. I would return whatever I have pinched faster than the thought of doing so itself.

Lord, although I know that I don't have the vision or the capability of understanding your intricate plans, I ask that you try. I beg and plea that you make it plain to me why I have been asked to wear this albatross even when I stand naked, my garments strewn across the floor.

Yesterday our President was compelled to prove his right to the highest office in the land, despite having done so time and time before. He was asked to account for the gifts of intelligence, wisdom, compassion and sensibility that you have provided within him; for these characteristics must have been stolen from your hand itself with a plan of malice and ill intent in mind. Yesterday our President was asked of by his Nation, a Nation of which "In God We Trust", to humble himself to that of status below a peasant despite having achieved a feat only 43 others before him have attained.

My God I ask why, in the days for which you have given us the ability to accomplish so much, we have not been given the faculty to know and love with our hearts despite the reflection that passes through our eyes.

I ask this of you for I have grown tired of defending who you have made me to be.