SHADOW IN MY OWN COMMUNITY

Through the heart, they attack,

I visited the doctor, but they said I'm fine.

Yet, I cried out loud with a stabbing pain inside my heart.

I've forgotten what it's like to sleep at night,

Keeping the whole family awake, exhausted and worn out.

They cried from fatigue, but I cried from pain and anguish.

Every heartbeat hurts, a constant reminder of my suffering.

I cried out to the Lord for help, but my voice seems too faint to be heard.

As a high school graduate, I thought it would bring me joy,

But instead, it's a painful reminder of my circumstances.

I regret the knowledge I have, which comes from You, Lord,

But my neighbors don't appreciate it; they seek to harm me.

They perform rituals day and night, intent on taking my life.

Their desire is to kill, and I'm consumed by fear.

I should fear the white man, but it's my own kind that I fear.

Oh, how I wish I were born white, maybe then I wouldn't feel this knife stabbing my heart.

That's life as an African, a never-ending struggle.