(Parody of George Elle Lyon)

I am from proper grammar,

Spoken through black lips.

From stereotypes and judgements.

I am from privilege and opportunity.

From and uncommon wealth,

Some may not know.

I am from birth through marriage and love,

And not from that of a statistic.

 

I am from cotton fields and religious songs.

Broken dreams because of this darker hue.

From dripping sweat and blistered hands,

Cold nights in the Master's shed.

I'm from the Emancipation,

Freed of bondage, chained by segregation.

 

I am from a woman's bosom.

Warming, sensitive, nurturing heart beat.

I am from a scraggly beard,

Kissing my cheek.

From shed tears and shared laughter,

By things unsaid, and to most, undiscovered.

I am 18 years of devotion's hand,

Holding true love, balance, and necessity.

 

I am from Langston Hughes and Maya Angelo,

Spoken words with rhythmic soul.

From expression and depth

Through black ink.

I'm from history written and manifested,

By means of balladry and wit.

 

I am from not what is expected.

But of shocks because of what was accomplished.

From intellect and grandeur,

By means of unlikelihood.

From these told words

And those eyes have yet to see.