During the second training for Barabar Going Grassroot (BGN) members, supported by the European Union, we explored what social inclusion truly means and how we can overcome the barriers that stand in its way. While discussing these challenges, a deeply moving moment unfolded – a poem emerged that beautifully captured why every one of us must strive for true inclusion.
One of our BGN members, Hamide Hyseni from Social Space for Deconstruction, shared her original poem “I Am Like You”, drawn from her own lived experience. Her words resonated deeply and touched every heart in the room. Her poem is a heartfelt call for equality and respect among all people, regardless of color, culture, or background. It reminds us that behind every face are the same dreams, the same pain, and the same hope. The message is clear: skin color must never divide us, and love and respect are universal. This poem stands as a moving reflection of human diversity and unity, and as a reminder of why our collective work toward social inclusion carries so much meaning.
We thank Hamide Hyseni for the privilege of hearing her poem and for allowing us to share it with the wider public. We wish to her to keep shining her light, as our society and our world truly need voices like hers.
This training was organized by Integra and Center for Affirmative Social Actions – CASA, as part of The BIG Project – Barabar Initiative (going) Grassroot, supported by the European Union in Kosovo.
Read the full poem below:
I AM LIKE YOU
By Hamide Hyseini
I am like you,
Like you, I have two eyes in view.
You are not above me, nor am I above you
God painted me with this color too.
We are in the same world,
We both walk on this earth’s soft swirl.
The blood that runs through our veins is the same
So why should you be more “holy” than me?
With your words you cannot bring down
My whole strong being to the ground.
Nor can you pierce my soul with hate-filled looks
Here, where I came crawling, I have gone
And now you want to discriminate me with just one word
“Don’t stay with her, she’s not Albanian.”
“Don’t stay with her, it’s a shame.”
“I’d hang these black ones”
I heard these lines since first grade came.
What are these unwashed souls,
Who, in only white, bathe their minds?
On a path paved with thorns I have walked
I walked alone, I felt myself dissolved.
Better to be left alone like this
Even though the loneliness weighs.
Free your soul from the curse that’s holding you;
You fight with yourself, all in vain, it’s true.
I am just like you, I hope you accept me.
Color sets us apart, and for that you reject me.
You push me, spit on me, stain me with darkness.
Take my hand and feel no bitterness.
Take my sufferings, take all of this
And you will see what hell really is:
To sit and smile while they curse me for this
Color that God Himself dressed me with.
It dims your smile, it halts your steps.
Listen to the sound my heartbeat sets
It is the same as yours, but if you touch my heart,
You’ll feel the tears that fall apart.
I am like you,
I swear on these two eyes in view.
We are both unique, beautiful, strong creations.
I am like you,
Like you, I have two eyes in view.
You are not above me, nor am I above you
God painted me with this color too.
We are in the same world,
We both walk on this earth’s soft swirl.
The blood that runs through our veins is the same
So why should you be more “holy” than me?
With your words you cannot bring down
My whole strong being to the ground.
Nor can you pierce my soul with hate-filled looks
Here, where I came crawling, I have gone
And now you want to discriminate me with just one word
“Don’t stay with her, she’s not Albanian.”
“Don’t stay with her, it’s a shame.”
“I’d hang these black ones”
I heard these lines since first grade came.
What are these unwashed souls,
Who, in only white, bathe their minds?
On a path paved with thorns I have walked
I walked alone, I felt myself dissolved.
Better to be left alone like this
Even though the loneliness weighs.
Free your soul from the curse that’s holding you;
You fight with yourself, all in vain, it’s true.
I am just like you, I hope you accept me.
Color sets us apart, and for that you reject me.
You push me, spit on me, stain me with darkness.
Take my hand and feel no bitterness.
Take my sufferings, take all of this
And you will see what hell really is:
To sit and smile while they curse me for this
Color that God Himself dressed me with.
It dims your smile, it halts your steps.
Listen to the sound my heartbeat sets
It is the same as yours, but if you touch my heart,
You’ll feel the tears that fall apart.
I am like you,
I swear on these two eyes in view.
We are both unique, beautiful, strong beings.
