I Shouldn’t Be Scared Bella Stevenson-Shimek

I shouldn’t be scared for my safety. I shouldn’t be scared because I am a person of color. I shouldn’t be scared I am a woman. I shouldn’t be scared walking in the night by myself afraid of what could happen. A skinny face with wrinkles, and scrawny tall figure, with bright eyes creeping around me while I walk, Watching my every move, not knowing when it will attack. I have to think will I be able to fight back? I hear woosh, swoosh, and motions behind me. Looking back ever so slightly to make sure no one is behind me. Hoping that the dark black figure with bright eyes never finds me. I shouldn’t be scared to walk in the night by myself afraid of what could happen. I shouldn’t be scared for my safety. I shouldn’t be scared because I am a person of color. I shouldn’t be scared I am a woman. I shouldn’t be scared of being attacked for following rules and staying calm I hear sirens wailing behind me. I know what is going to happen trying to stay calm. I remember what my parents told me keep calm, stare straight, keep your palms out. The white male officer with a mustache and a beer belly tells me to pull over. I do as instructed because I do not want to be destructed. He knocks at my window my heart goes pitter patter pitter patter I give him want he needs he finds nothing. But nothing is never enough. I have done nothing, but nothing is something to them. He tells me to get out of my car. I do as instructed. I hear the gun click.

Bang Bang. Boom. I am done. And for what I wonder as I fall into a deep sleep. All because of my skin tone. I am targeted daily. The system fails me. I will never be free. I am like a stray puppy in a cage. There is no escape and no end to this pain. I shouldn’t be scared of everyday life just because of my skin and gender.

Bella Stevenson-Shimek, Grade 8 South View Middle School, Edina Teaching Artist, Frank Sentwali