I’m ready to present to you a poem entitled, "The Thoughts of an African Youth".

I hope you’ll gain something from it.

Often I ask this question
I believe I have the right

Why does this world question
My own very desperate fight?

I fight for my youth
I fight for my identity
And by doing so I become uncouth

I try to establish my abilities
And attempt to do all I can

In the meantime I’ll sit back and rest
And be pleased with all I’ve done

But some praise of my achievements
Would be in order if this world was aware

But how is that possible at all
If this world just does not care?

Often I ask this question:
Is life a loss or gain?
Is life your haven of happiness?
Or is it your source of pain?

Perhaps if we shed these worlds
Of age, color, tongue and creed

The pleas and the cries of the African child
The world shall consider and heed