When The World Sees You

When the world sees you
   They see a man

Capable, Quiet, Unassuming
Assuming you will take on all the excess stress their lives cannot hold
They load it all – on your shoulders
Without excuses.. Without worry. Without a second thought.

When I see you
   I see a man

Who struggles to balance all the demands of the world with his own needs
Without respite. Without relief. Without a moment’s peace.
I see the struggle to not turn away from the outstretched hands in need
         Yet…
When and where are your needs met?
I open my arms to give you relief and then and there
I feel the weight roll off your back for a bit
And I feel necessary; I have a purpose

When the world sees you
   Some see a man, a black man

And their preconceived notions, ideas and prejudices
Only see what you are and they are denied the gift of who you are
Petty untaught ignorant minds that refuse to acknowledge your worth

When I see you
   I see a man

Whose rich warm tone is the complement to me
My next to your skin is the yang to your yin
The perfect contrast that defines and underlines each other
The difference is beautiful, not to be overlooked and ignored but appreciated and explored

When I see you
   I see the man
Who accepts me as I am,
Without fuss, without muss, without ultimatums.
Who brings out in me what I fear to face And makes me safe
Inside the arms of the man
The Capable, Quiet, Unassuming Black Man
I love