It was a dark night back in that early May.

Orange light lit up the windows bright like the day.

Peeking through the curtains late that night,

there before my eyes was a truly evil sight.

My kin and his friend tied to the massive schoolyard tree.

I did not know then who these masked men might be.

White hoods and robes, with burning torches, glowed.

They slashed them both until arms heavy slowed.

No more energy did they have for more blows.

Both white and Black bloodied skin and clothes.

Released from the ropes, they both fell to earth.

White robes kicking what they thought of their worth.

The kin stayed hidden for weeks till fine.

Then he and his Black friend hung out by the schoolyard sign.

Being friends with another color back in 75,

was not the best idea if you wanted to stay alive.

As a teen in the South, you live your own mind.

And to most, there’s only one kind.