I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. . . Although he feels ignored by those at the table, the speaker is preparing to take back his position in society. The speaker realizes he does not need those who now sit at the table and therefore focuses on improving himself. Even though he is being rejected by those at the table, the speaker is confident and resilient to adversity. The speaker rejects getting help from those who now sit at the table and realizes that he must fend for himself. Despite being relegated to the kitchen, the speaker still feels he is treated fairly as he is provided with a position in society.