I Dream

I am from a clash of Color,
From an idea of love, modeled for others' perception.
I see me as I am, but am hidden from others' views.
I am who I am, but a living contradiction to my peers.
I see life as a blessing, a gift granted to me.
Why should my tint describe me? Why should my culture degrade me?
Why should the ignorance of another conjure my presence?
Too many times I've been disappointed by the looks,
By the sneers and misconceptions of the people who don't get me,
Who don't understand why it hurts.

I dream of a place of glory and freedom,
Of losing the weight of oppression on my back.
I dream of the enlightenment of people,
Of the opening of their eyes.
I dream for acceptance,
And for the blessing of feeling special just once.
One moment of glory ... for the true virtue in my life.
For the glimmer of freedom, and a rise in real pride.

-Pablo Vega
Chapel Hill High School, North Carolina

I feel like I could have written the first stanza, more or less. It describes a lot.

I am proud of who I am. Know that.