A Fighting Chance

by Cherrie Woods

Forgive society

For seeing young Black boys as adult men 

Who will one day become villains

For not ensuring good schools, and safe neighborhoods

Second chances instead of condemnation

Jails instead of jobs

Forgive society for not knowing 

Young black boys when given the opportunity

Can paint the world in many colors

Like Jean-Michel Basquiat

Excel at science like Neil deGrasse Tyson

And lead a country like Barack Obama.

Society may be surprised 

To learn many black boys have innate dignity and compassion 

And tenacity and determination

That only requires a change of society’s perception.

How sad society’s shortsightedness limits its ability

To realize that most black boys will grow into amazing men 

And others are weeds that can grow into beautiful bouquets 

If given enough water, good soil and a fighting chance to bloom.