Why is he so selfish
You might wonder, but then
How much of what you had
Was wrested away from you?

Why is he so self-centered
You might wonder, but then
How long did you have to
Hang around on the margins?

Why is he so bigoted
You might wonder, but then
How much hatred did you get
For the color of your skin?

Why is he so indifferent
You might wonder, but then
How long were you ignored
By the world you lived in?

Why is he so slothful
You might wonder, but then
How much of your hard toil
Was wasted on nothing?

Why is he so forgetful
You might wonder, but then
How much of your past
Do you want to remember?

Why does he drag his feet
You might wonder, so here…
I’ve brought you a gift
Of these worn-out old shoes