I’m red, yellow, black and white
From every nation and tongue
Old middle age and young.
I have no boundaries
Generational or race
My father couldn’t read
Now I take his place.
You look for me
In all the wrong places
For I’m closer than you think.
Sitting in the church pew
Pretending to read just like you.
Hidden in plain sight
Woven into the fabric of society
Because of my one ignorance.
Masquerading as literate
Has become my game
Because of the shame
Of my real name.
Avoiding situation
In fear of hearing this word
READ that which I can not do.
Many try to give me a face
With social status or race.
I’m just ordinary people
That can not read.
Embrassment keeps me from coming to you
Normally it takes a tragedy
For me to break through.
The thought that illiterate
Imparts in your mine
Disparity needs to be refined.
I’ve tried to paint a picture
On the canvas of your mind
To help you understand
This illiterate life of mine.


