these girls fan over my melanin as if it were designer

that they can try on and wear until they’re bored.

snatch the skin off this mannequin,

claw until they see fresh wounds,

and wrap it around themselves.

what’s a little bloodshed?

the stains will come out in the wash!

 

u wish you had my skin, yet

i could never take the compliment.

it’s only temporary

to be an accessory amongst ur necklaces.

yes, wear my skin for the day.

they’ll ask u how ur holiday was

and if u snatched up a fine man with ur new look.

 

how much is my melanin worth to u?

i am just a pretty dress u see in the shop window

– and oh look! it’s 20% off!

it’ll bring out the blue in ur eyes.

i know my brown skin is just worth enough

for people to want to fuck,

but not enough to show love to.

 

this skin is a fad for u yet

i wear the same garment day after day.

they say i’m dark enough

as if i found the perfect balance of colours.

but i know u throw my skin away;

this version of nude isn’t in season anymore

the second the police come to the door.