Symptoms of Historical Trauma

 
When we ask to be called
by our proper names, 
uncouth—

                 When we lift each
                 other up, unfair
                 prejudice—

When we document
our labors, unseemly
boast—

                 When brilliance
                 is the fire we bear,
                 a charge of theft—

The ease with which
they think the worst 
of us—