I'm Tired    

I’m tired of being afraid.

I’m tired of playing this game.

Tired of getting by; Tired of being ashamed.

I didn’t ask for this.

To be born in a world where people would look at what’s between my legs and beg for me to be an accessory.

Nor did I ask to be born with skin that’s too dark AND too light.  I’m confused.  Am I too black or not black enough?

Tired...

Of going to work every day for people who don’t know how hard I fight.   They don't know my struggle to get them to the finish line.

I’m tired of looking in the eyes of evil with a plastered smile. Tired of pushing and sweating to get that extra mile.

Tired of being told how to act and what to do by folk who don't know my struggle and can't walk in my shoes.

My name is not Toby, it's Funmi.  FUNMI FOLAYAN to be exact.

I was born to help people Walk in Dignity and you can't change that.

You can never destroy my dreams, my soul.  I've struggled too much and overcome.

You want me to adjust; conform; succumb.

I see what you do.  I know what you desire.  I can read through your sickness and your control has expired.

You want me to close my eyes and see defeat; say "Yes, Ma’am" and "No, sir" when this is how you should address me, actually.

I should accept that things have changed; I’m no longer a slave.  I’m no longer in pain. 

You wish me to fail; run to you for salvation.  You want to play my Creator, my beginning and end.

You didn't make me.  That ability I cannot lend.

I’m tired of easing your guilt.  Tired of comforting your deceit.  I’m tired of accepting what you LET me have just so you'll have peace.

I'm tired of walking soft with lowered head and brow.  I'm tired of speaking slow and sweetening my voice.  I'm tired of giving you the option and taking away my choice.

Running, jumping, skipping, crying, lying, denying, pacifying, accepting, rejecting, replacing, imitating, failing, faking, pressing, curling, make-uping, smiling, stroking, chocking, dying - HELL NO, NO MORE.

I'm a queen dammit, time for me to soar.

So now I scream, voice shivering with frustration, pain and determination - I AM TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tired as hell.  I will prevail, this you can run and tell. 

Consider yourself checked on this day, this hour.

You will never defeat me or steal my natural feminine black power!

Take heed. 

With my own breathe, my mind, soul, body are freed.

I am tired.

U CANT BEAT ME!