Jayson Kristopher

I am illegal

My skin is a felony

and each breath is an additional charge

My steps are misdemeanors

and each one brings a fine that

I’ll eventually have to pay

My very existence is wrong

I am illegal

From birth, I aspire for second class status

No achievement makes me worthy

and, no amount of privilege

serves as a lifejacket

I am drowning

because I am illegal

There is no savior but I

no ship coming in

I am pushed to depths of darkness

and yet I swim

You say that

I am illegal

No matter —

Still is my heartbeat

under your tyranny

Calm is my body

no matter the wave

I will reach this shore,

my shore

And you will not stop me.