No one sees beyond the skin,
no sees my soul.
They only see my alleged crime,
and my skin as dark as coal.

They know I did not do this,
I can see it in their eyes.
Their stares reveal they mean to kill me,
and send shivers down my spine.

The court declares ‘Guilty!’
Many heave a contented sigh.
Atticus lowers his head in defeat,
as his children begin to cry.

Now I await my punishment,
and time here passes very slow.
Any moment now they’ll come
and tell me that I have to go.

I have to suffer injustice,
as many men like me often do.
The worst effect of Prejudice
is that no looks beyond the skin.

They say it's a sin to slay a mockingbird.
So why are they killing me?

--

To Kill a Mockingbird © Harper Lee