People stop and stare at me when they see me in the store
It isn’t because I’m royalty, but instead because I’m poor
They see a woman to who the Pill seems a stranger
All the things they “see” makes them feel a lot of anger
All they see is a stereotype, they can’t see the real me
All they see is someone who is living life carefree
All they see is someone content on taking a free ride
While they struggle and pay taxes, I sit on my backside.
All they see is someone who seems to have no cares
All they see is my black face peering back at theirs.
All they see is someone ignorant; they judge me in advance
But in reality, I’m simply a victim of circumstance.

I whispered, “I have food stamps”, and tried to be discreet
But the cashier decided that my words she must repeat.
As I stand in the line, I can feel my face is flaming
Because of all the negative things that everyone is claiming.
Suddenly someone spoke and said words that caused me grief
They expressed their emotions and stereotypical beliefs.
“Why don’t you get a job?! Get up off of your posterior!
You’re capable of working! Do you think you are superior?
You sit around all day, waiting for others to give
While I work my butt off daily so that I can live.”
I stood there dumbfounded, not knowing what to say
Whether to answer the questions, or simply walk away.

What the taxpayer did is something I really hate
The taxpayer was typecasting, I had to commentate.
“I’m not sitting on my butt, I have not time enough
Working and going to school makes it a little tough.”

“Well why are you on welfare? Where’s your child’s father?”
I’m glad he had the sense to ask, cause most won’t even bother…
“He walked out. He left. And now I’m on my own.
A job that was meant for two, I handle all alone.”
I didn’t create her asexually, humans can’t do that you see.
It took the sperm from him, and the egg that came from me.

So in the future, if you see me, give me the honor I deserve
What the taxpayer did, it took a lot of nerve.
But please, don’t disrespect me with any supposition
I’m striving hard daily to get out of this position.
I’ve never said I’m perfect. I can only do my best.
But I will be off the system, before I’m put to rest.