a poem by Shaffaf Tariq, ’21

Not very hard
Not too bad
It’s been fine

Outsider, left out
Subconscious subtle exclusion
I feel different

The majority feel accepted
Represented and welcomed

They walk the same path
Share the same privilege
Almost always accepted
Almost never questioned

The minority float along
The ones who “cannot relate”
The same ones who feel isolated

But what can be done?
Inclusivity and acceptance already ring true
Right?

Educate
Learn
Represent equally