Poem by Aida Ndiaye

“Welcome to the World”

Welcome to a world where things happen in a flash.

Welcome to a world where a white officer thinks it’s ok to put his knee on a black man.

Welcome to a world where sickness segregates us.

Where we have been isolated, right in our own homes.

Welcome to a world where during this time people say 6 feet away please.

Welcome to a world where plastic may be the end of us, and global warming is something that we know but don’t discuss.

Where oil harms sea animals, and smoke causes air pollution.

Welcome to a World where too much heat can cause a fire, and too much rain causes a flood.

Welcome to a world where unity overpowers hate. Where people stood tall and changed their fate

Where a bud turns into a flower, and girls show their power.

Even with all these things, remember, 2020 is still our year.