For the twenty-fifth day of National Poetry Month, I have a little poem about slavery and racism. While I'm an apparently cis white male, there are some themes in my world about the former slavery of the dalpre.

I'm not planning on writing a lot when they were slaves (not really my story) but I am planning on working out how society handles them after they are “freed” both from the point of the dalpre and for the humans.

Yes, Sir, I Understand

"Dog, move that wagon."
Yes, Sir, I understand.

You don't care who I am
Only the fur on my back
And the muzzle on my mouth.

"Dog, carry those boxes."
Yes, Sir, I understand.

You don't see me as human
Only an animal that can listen
With fingers that break.

"Dog, build those gallows."
Yes, Sir, I understand.

You don't see this as a crime
Only breeding your pets
And getting rid of the bad ones.

"Dog, step up."
Yes, Sir, I understand.

You don't see me as a being
Only empty eyes that can't see
And my tail between my legs.

"Dog, rot in hell."
Yes, Sir, I understand.

You don't see me has someone
Only a beast that went too far
And bred with one of yours.