when

W H E N did you wake to the truth⠀
that we complain is painful to bear,⠀
a remorseful realization
causing unjust despair?⠀

W H E N they chanted their names in frustration⠀
and filled the streets for justice⠀
demanding a change to a system,⠀
that we accused of being destructive?⠀

W H E N did you first see our ignorance⠀
that for too long we failed to accept?⠀
The contemptible stories of history⠀
over and over discept.⠀

W H E N they took to their knee in protest⠀
and risked losing all that they had⠀
to capture our self-centered attention,⠀
that we say dishonored the flag?⠀

W H E N the world took its stand against racism⠀
and cast a dark shadow on social,⠀
did you turn to the numerous resources ⠀
or grumble black lives were the focal?⠀

W H E N you heard the expression white privilege⠀
used against you in angry outburst,⠀
did it make you feel guilt for the first time ⠀
or did you exclaim it was racism reversed?⠀

W H E N we start to search within ourselves⠀
instead of shifting the blame,⠀
we see that our past is tainted⠀
and we carry the burden of shame.⠀

W H E N will the world be equal,⠀
and all God’s people just get along?⠀
Not before we’ve admitted ⠀
that for years we’ve been deeply wrong. ⠀

It’s time for us all with our white skin⠀
to repent and begin again,⠀
and the question of anti-racism⠀
no longer should ever be W H E N .