If I am the only Black person you know Poem

Written by Jolie Brownell

Where did you find my body?

Did you find her in the park,

On the bus,

On your way to school?

What was it about my body?

What about her image,

Made you take her along with you?

Carry her along with you,

Like the one thing,

you can’t leave your house without.

Who do you tell about my body?

When does my body come up in your conversations?

When do you refer to her?

I ask because I wonder what my body means to you?

What my body does for you?

Am I your invisible cape?

Your holy water to wash away your sins?

Your sidekick who ensures everything you say

simply rolls off my shoulders into a laugh?

Am I your equal, or am I simply a Black body

you get to bring up like an old memory

whenever you are in need of timely proof

that you are not racist?

If I am the only Black person you know,

why am I the only Black person you know?

Originally written on 7/12/2020