Phillis Wheatley

Oh, you speak so well.
If only you knew what it cost me.
I hopefully think you're just trying to be polite
Meanwhile, other folks tell me, Ay...you know you Black, right?
Later, I'm told I'm not like one of 'those'
After being spoken to long enough, you're compelled to tell me a racist joke
Follow it up with a friendly poke
I suppose you expect me to agree?
Meanwhile you're drumming up other things to mention explaining what else you think is wrong with me
See, the devil is in the details
If I 'just wear my hair straight like "normal," I'm destined for success, it's in my eyes, you can tell.
Well, as a kid, I 'had potential to be president'
We have one and it's evident being articulate ain't enough to prevent a Black person from catching hell
And I wore my hair straight
And it still wasn't enough to avoid catching hate
You should have seen it, it was evil
Others were like, "Listen to her talk, that oreo thinks she's people!"
Why you wanna paint  me as a racist?
These are actual events, why would I try to fake this?
So don't mind me, I'm right at home with my dreads
No you can not touch them, please don't pet me on the head
Respect my space and I'll respect yours
And if I catch you staring, I might follow you through the store.
Approach me like a person, and I'll treat you the same
Welcome to my life, hate to rain on your parade
It doesn't matter how I talk, act, or dress neatly
Because I'll still get patronized the same as Phillis Wheatley
Google the name if your mind draws a blank
What do you expect when you offer a backhanded comment on my speech..
Thanks?