Might I Be Excused, Please?

Although manners make a man,
Do not mind my manners at all,
They are far from what I am made of.
I grew up with the savages,
I cannot keep quiet to eat,
I cannot not eat while I walk,
I cannot be gentle at all.
So when you feel irritated,
Do not mind my manners at all;
Just close your eyes
And imagine me to be all
that you want me to be.

So please excuse my manners,
I do not guard the lady or dame,
I do not dance waltz and ballet,
I cannot smile when I should cry,
I am a man, an African man.

Younglan Louis