#NOTGUILTY

Dreams
of freedom and justice
wrap my mind
like the straps of my durag. 
My people—
heirs to The Throne,
chastised
and yet, 
criminalized.
A mysterious paradox.
Oh, how we agonize in our innocence.
But still
we rise.
Tell me, you who know Truth,
what crimes have we committed
besides being born Black?

- Oseije