FALL SHORT

FALL SHORT
As a teenager
In a mixed environment
I did not know
There was any shame
In being a violet
As opposed
To being a marigold
For they are both flowers

My friend said
"I would like
To date you
Even though
You are a Negro"

I said "even though"

Then I thought
You go to your church
And I go to my church
We all fall
Short of God equally
Arnal Kennedy