Hey, little girl

He, little black girl, I'm your neighbor.
I can't help it, either.
White, male and middle class,
I'm here to apologize to you.

At one time, people who looked like me
took people from somewhere and they looked like you.
They taught them how to speak like me,
like your people today are teaching me.

You look pretty in your plaits, little one.
Just like my little sister.
I can't help it I was born this color,
the color of oppression and greed.

Those stealers weren't me, i would have said no.
I know you would have fought too.
We're not perfect kids, you or I,
but we're here together. today.

I have a mouth just like you, child.
My brain functions just the same.
Yet your people see me and think: hate.
Yet I see you and think: I'm sorry.