I'm Sorry

I'm sorry 
That my ancestors forced you to be someone 
That you aren't
That they thought you were less than 
And not equal to.

I'm sorry
That you have to hear people
Yelling ugly slurs
Clicking car locks when you walk by
Or crossing the street when they see you.

I'm sorry
That I don't understand
Your situation as well as you do
And can't help you through it.

I'm sorry
That I have power
That you don't
That I am always innocent
And you are always guilty.

I'm sorry 
That the generations before you have suffered
Because of the generations before me.
I'm sorry that my family took your land
Your identity from you.

I'm sorry
That you have to be careful
Wondering dark alleys
Or be nervous
When you see the flashing red and blue
In your review mirror.

I'm sorry
That you are dehumanized
And that as a society
We've set this bias in place
 

I know it’s not my fault and that I can’t change the color of my skin 
but that doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty 
About something I never did.