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I Am Not American!
I am Black,
I am a bad unwelcomed thing about to happen,
a worthless parasite that built a nation’s wealth
after a Justified kidnapping.
I Am Not American!
I am a pawn in political wars,
a body to fill a cell,
a pack animal loved for chores.
Death is my only right,
I am completely defeated
before I have the thought to fight.
I Am Not American!
I am an introduced invasive life,
Cursed with being perfect,
breathing is my first offence,
No second chance, my first term is life.
I Am Not American!
Although my birth place tells you so,
I am easily wrongfully convicted,
Pillaged, robbed, and murdered,
Old When my Sentence is lifted.
I Am Not American!
Look at my skin,
that is enough for you to know,
I Am Not American!

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Carnell Wingfield Jr.

Carnell Wingfield Jr. is a writer and poet incarcerated in California. He is a sociology major at Feather River College and also graduated with distinction from Blackstone Career Institute's paralegal course.