race

let's talk about race
let's talk about color
let's talk about people
let's talk about skin
let's talk about the present
let's talk about yesterday
let's talk about Portland
where to begin

some people are light
some people are dark
some people are
vaguely in between
some people are decent
some people are broken
some people are
just downright mean

but here in Portland
we say we abhor it
but as we stand before it
we try to ignore it
there's anger inside
with nowhere to store it
we say we're not for it
but we still ignore it

there's micro brews
and restaurants
and Hawthorne
and west of the river
pubs to meet
on Alberta street
and Uber will deliver

there's hipsters 
and there's trends
and there's money
and there's fashion
you look around
and hear few sounds
that sing
and ring
with passion

and I am one of many
I do not do my share
and one day it may explode
will we be prepared
there's lots of good
people in Portland
their love is stronger than hate
let's talk about people
let's talk about skin
let's talk about race
before it's too late