Do I need to speak a truth

that resonates as deep as my skin is brown?

Not caramel

not a hint of creme,

like buying a frappuccino

Only to pretend its contents aren't rich.

 

I was taught to always be polite

Say yes ma'am and no sir

cause we're still afraid

thought the whips are no longer physical.

But Tom and Kathy -

swear like sailors,

throw fits like toddlers,

don't appreciate the value of life,

but get things thrown at their feet.

 

Do I need to speak?

 

Have you felt the hush of a room

as you walk in

and already, they've determined your worth

by the color of your skin?

And the people on T.V

providing the model for our role

as degenerates, gangstas, and angry ghetto hoes.

As gold digging women that pull out weave

for the enjoyment of our impressionable youth on their colored T.Vs.

 

Do I need to...?

 

I feel stuck in this void

where success is possible for the price of my soul.

If I just propagate the stereotype.

I play their financial games,

put a value on what we're worth

like how their shampoo is $3 but ours...

for my cotton candy hair and chocolate skin

my saccharine voice and sweet grin.

But my truth is that I'm worth so little despite my financial appeal

because my skin is dark and theirs...

is pale.