I may be your neighbor,
Or work as a caterer.
I might serve your food,
Or fix your hairdo.
I am a taxpayer,
And may be a bricklayer.
There are some occupations,
That reject my persuasions.
A job application,
Comes with consternation.
Mention a background check,
My heart hits the deck.
All that I ask,
Is to give me a chance.
My mistakes of the past,
Were treated with an iron cast.
Time has given me skills,
And has strengthened my will.
I will prove my worth,
As I embark on new turf.
I feel like an outcast,
How long will this last?
As I live in your community,
I yearn for the unity.
What you see is the real me,
Living with a felony.