the world is not for black females like me

the world is not for black females like me.

fifteen years ago, i fitted the mode of black

and career-minded. survivor with a college

education worn as my belt buckle, felt empty.

had no idea of my neurodivergence. had no clue

about my autism and ADHD until age 34.

what do you do

when your autism is a child’s

thought process and your ADHD

is super, bubbly behavior?

the world is not for black females like me. more

colored talk has taken over my community.  we,

shaded women, are tired, tired of believing we

have to carry our cares on our shoulders alone.

we can live a softer life, be feminine, ask for help,

work on our mental health, or simply say no.

the world is not for black females like me.

i speak for peace| dignity | voice | truth.

sensitive to society’s swords in deep cuts,

dodge through their slashes. share my struggles,

my pain, my tears. teach other ebony women

that it is okay to cry and not always be strong.

what do I want for people

who were born by other

backgrounds, ethnicities,

social statuses to know?

the world is not for black females like me.

i have to ask so many questions. i am literal, random,

silly. not tough. just disciplined. unable to debate. top

intellect will never be in my brain. this is my autism.

emotions love to live in meadows with butterflies.

everything i feel, smell, and hear gets taken ten levels

higher. can relate to the sufferings others feel. heart is

a roasted marshmallow. i am mushy. this is my ADHD.

what do i say to the critics

wishing i would stay

silent and hide behind a corner?

the world is not for black females like me.

when a black woman's voice is heard,

a revolution is bound to emerge.

--

Traci Neal is a neurodivergent poet residing in Columbia, South Carolina. She has shared her personal story of being a late-diagnosed black woman in the Thinking Person's Guide To Autism, Newsweek, Good News Post- UK, and Autism Digest, to name a few. Her poetry is featured in Poetry Potion- Poem A Day, Spillwords Press, Autism Digest, and Spirit Fire Review in 2025. Neal utilizes poetry as a tool to advocate for those in need and to raise awareness for non-profits worldwide.