Sometimes I feel like I’m a token
Yeah, I’m the cool one because I’m housebroken
The one they keep around so they can say they know “those people”
I serve as their protection to the outside world just like a flower has a sepal
Us tokens are usually unappreciated and taken for granted
Because they think we’re rooted and would never dream of not be implanted
Once they have you in their gentle graces they won’t let you go
It’s like you’re the “friend” in the constellation that is the plough
I’m like a nice harmless gateway drug
But what they don’t know is I’m operating on a humbug
I wasn’t put here to serve as anybody’s chosen one
Because whether you realize it or not, I stay woke son
I refuse to let myself become tarnished because I’ve been passed around by you
Do you know how much the world fears this hue
There is so much unfiltered power in this shiny token
But sometimes it’s difficult to bust that power wide open
You see when you’re a token you’re surround by people who don’t understand you
And when you speak on your harsh reality that’s when they decide to move to the back pew
The solidarity quickly starts to fade
And since this is uncharted waters for them you’re on your own, but hey sis, no shade
You realize being a token is a one-sided relationship
You give and they receive and somehow that’s considered kinship
Tokens, please keep your ideas and goals close to the chest
And don’t let go of that information no matter how much they become pressed
Because what you don’t want to happen is they use their privilege to present the world your ideas
Then you’re sitting at home with a new meaning for D’Angelo’s how does it feel
Don’t forget people love to collect nice shiny tokens
Just like they collected my ancestors, but I forgot that’s never to be spoken
I’m here to warn you from one token to the next
You’re not part of the main crew, boo, you’re just the annex
Sometimes I feel like I’m a token
Yeah, I’m the cool one because they THINK I’m housebroken
I love this Sheena! Thanks for sharing. It’s true! My favorite part is “Don’t forget people love to collect nice shiny tokens. Just like they collected my ancestors, but I forgot that’s never to be spoke” This speaks volumes to the world we live in. We’re told to just get over it, and it’s not that easy when we are fighting it every day.
Yaaaaasss!!! Definitely not easy to “get over”.
Keep using your voice sis.
Thanks so much ❤
Wonderfully stated. I feel like I can hear your voice in these words. Keeping spreading your love and light!
Thanks love ❤
I love when people use words to express personal emotions. Keep writing, queen!
Thanks so much for reading!
Thanks love!
This sent chills down my spine! I love it, and I have to share on my pages. Because this is beautifully written in all it’s rawness.
This has made my morning!!! Glad you were able to connect with it and thanks ado much for sharing with others. ❤❤❤
Wow very well written! So much power in these words.
Thanks so much ❤
I really love this! It never feels good to be a token – I can feel your frustration, and I totally get it. Poetry is a great outlet.
Poetry is an awesome outlet!
This is hella dope. You so eloquently stated my thoughts. Only I could never make them this poetic.
Thanks so much love ❤
Somebody is always is the token piece and the sad part is some of us are not even aware that we are. I would hate to be the token or the representative for an entire race, culture or ethnicity.
Exactly!
Yes!!!!! So many of my thoughts expressed in such beautiful rhyme. Keep using your voice, sis. Stay woke!
Thanks for reading and do happy you were able to connect with my words ❤❤❤. This comment made my day!
This is beautiful man. It flows like a dope spoken word. Ever performed it before? You totally should.
I just wrote it a couple of weeks ago but I’ve been looking for somewhere to perform. Thanks ado much for reading! ❤
Excellent poem! I’m also the token in my local friend group. It’s exhausting. It’s often the case I have nobody to talk to about how frustrating it is so thank you for this. I really appreciate reading something from someone who can empathize.
I’m so glad you could relate. I wrote it out of frustration a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for reading! ❤
Omg this was amazing! I loved it! Keep sharing your gift.
Thanks love!!! ❤❤❤