Tossing and Turning by Yolanda Moses

Tossing and turning, late night, can’t sleep
Is it because of that nap?
Is it because I can’t breathe?

Yeah it’s a bit stuffy but that’s not the only thing that’s got me
I am suffocating here within this stolen land that bought me
Not even bought me, stole me as well.. captured me

Stripped me
Starved me
Renamed me
Changed me

In my weakness, they destroyed me
In my strength, they used me
Then chose my destiny for me
Without compliance, killed most of me

As I crack open my window to intake fresh air
A refreshing wind blows through
with a cool touch that freed me
but not much follows

Now they clothe me
With uncomfortable standards I have no choice but to wear
But at least they clothe me

Now they feed me
Mostly lies to mold my mind
But at least they feed me

Now they hear my own name
But associate it negatively and guarantee a decline
But at least they hear my name

Now they leave me to stay the same
The same destroyed position they caused with no reconstruction whatsoever
But at least they leave me to stay the same

In my weakness I reach out to unite
In my strength I stand and fight
I choose my own destiny

Tossing and turning, late night, can’t sleep
Is it because of that nap?
Is it because I can’t breathe?
I. CANT. BREATHE.