I’m Checking Out
To save myself. An essay about the hopelessness of America’s race relations.


i gave you the signs
but you missed them
i told you how we feel
but you never listen.
too late
so slow
eyes closed.
our cares are different
so are our concerns
you my dear
only recall what is beneficial
for your pocketbook,
your house, your people
yourselves
what is favorable in your eyes.
your best interest
are not our best interests
so i’m settling my bill
canceling my debts
vacating my mind
i’m done searching my soul
i’m taking my heart.
i am checking out
of your world
to save myself.
This essay is about the hopeless feeling Blacks have about race relations in America from time to time. The inequality, long, never-ending imbalance of power, the unfairness, the biases, microaggressions, and anti-Black sentiments are overwhelming sometimes. Sometimes, you need to check out to save yourselves. Some fights aren’t really ours to finish.
One day, one day, we won’t have to fight.
©2019 Marley K. All rights reserved.