YaLa Poetry | The One in the Mirror by Abigail, Israel

It’s upsetting
To discover
That there is still
Racism
Inside of me
Still, fear
That can turn into
Something ugly
In moments of pressure

I can take it
Out there
Even though
It’s so sad
But to find it inside
Is heartbreaking

Everyone is racist
My friend said
Even I am
Even you are

But the difference
Is whether we’re
Proud
Or ashamed
Of it
Whether we strengthen it
Or try to let it go

And to feel that the violence
Out there
Has corrupted
Me inside
Is the greatest cost of all
But if I can cry
About it
Then I can be purified
Through the salt
Of my tears