biased confession
the Implicit Association Test
objectively states
Your responses suggested a strong automatic association for Asians with animals and whites with humans.
horror shame embarrassment disappointment blame
(the lousy line drawings
my nodding-off self)
there is no kind way
to write these wretched words
no phrase to adequately apologize
to my friends who are Asian
for the othering my mind
unconsciously mindlessly may do
the damage I unwittingly inflict daily
including inside this very line in my confession
no way to obtain absolution
no penance that will offset the harm
my unwanted bias wreaks
on all the beloved human animals
I breathe with today
