I was given dirty looks;
Fingers pointed at me,
I was labeled "a disgrace";
Because I had no knowledge of their practice;
My tradition taught me morals,
We had our own believes,
But never expected anyone to conform,
I understood we are different.
I was also taught respect from an early age,
Humility was added as my body was carved in my mother's womb;
I still hold modesty in the palm of my hand.
I apologize for not knowing... Better yet,
I'm proud I only know so much.
I've mastered my custom pretty much,
That is why even though you whisper words of disappointment,
As if I'm one of your kind;
Even though you give me side looks,
Like I was taught by your kind;
Even though you poke each other when I walk in,
Like I'm failing your kind;
Even though you give me fake smiles,
To hide the anger and the disgust towards me;
I smile back and offer you respect though not due to you;
This is because my kind was taught like that...
I was condemned because I came from another belief,
Because I acted like my kind.
Thought society planted thorny seeds around me,
To defend my territory...
Please excuse me, I never mastered inhumanity.
I can only act like my kind.