if I couldn't speak English

The importance of language

if i couldn't speak English
what would i be able to do?
life would be difficult
i'd be lost
i would't be able to read maps
i wouldn't be able to read traffic signs
i wouldn't be able to order meals at a restaurant
i wouldn't be able to mail letters
fill out applications
go grocery shopping
buy clothes
work a computer
send e-mails
try a new recipe
get a credit card

if i couldn't speak English
i'd be a second class citizen
i'd be functioning like newly arrived immigrants are treated
legal or illegal, documented or undocumented
i'd have no access to my unalienable rights
if i couldn't speak English
why would i sanction schools to teach Black English, ebonics?
or for that matter street English, ignoronics?
and license our children to fail
and maintain our nation at risk
and keep the poor in check or should i say control?

if i couldn't speak English what could i have said to you today?