#blackempower

This Skin I'm In: A Poem About My Black

My black is flawless I've never been this proud before My skin never felt so good Was I not used to it? I can't remember when I loved this shade so much My color is dark and lovely. It sings with a rhythmic melody of beauty.

My black is loud It yelled at this pale-faced lady the other day She tried to demean my black And just as quickly as she did My black screamed back. My skin roared with elegance Reminding you it is not afraid anymore

My black is loved I rubbed it down tenderly today Making sure to touch every inch. Ever so gently it glistened and radiated My black shimmers and still catches attention. It's been kissed and hugged Yet still selfishly wants more

My black is hopeful I've had a freedom that was honestly free I've lived in a time when my black was OK My black lives today safely from oppression Though still hated on My black believes in a better tomorrow Still lives in dreams of liberation and equality My black has a great future

My black is an artist Thoughtfully chosen to be just this Not chocolate, not sweet or bitter My black creatively exists where no other black lives My deep and rich black is still unmatched Nothing as dark It masterfully advances my own natural look

My black is resilient Offended and hurt in the past The complexities of this complexion cannot be understood I took my black out for a day And was terribly made fun of growing up People hold no discretion or reservation against my black As though a fugitive my black has been ostracized, attacked and found guilty Yet still fought back Rising against the contempt of others My black isn't weak and advocates for me.