By Lawrence Miles

I tend not to argue
I tend just to drink beer and keep my mouth shut

I don’t tell them that they would be pissed
If I ever said anything behind their backs
So for them to make disparaging comments on minorities is
The same thing

I don’t like to get into arguments like that
Because I can’t win and I tire easily.

I am from the suburbs
It took years to get my head straight
And it will never be 100 percent.

I still slip up a lot
So I tend not to be harsh on my friends in the suburbs

You must fix yourself before you can fix others
And sometimes people are not too eager to join in

I’ll keep trying.
I just wish I had more help.

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Lawrence Miles is a poet living in White Plains, NY. He wanted to barrel race in Windrixville as a kid.