My Black Skin
Taj Adams
New Orleans, La - Biology/Pre-Med
 

Have you seen it lately?
I know you have.
My black skin, that is.
You’ve seen it.
You’ve seen it cry tears of poverty, oppression, and abuse
Tears that have tried to drown my hope and our faith.
You’ve seen it.

But have you felt it?
Definitely.
You’ve felt it.
You’ve felt its hand grasping for yours, for equality
But instead of holding it, you’ve pushed it away.
You’ve felt it.

But have you tasted it?
I believe so.
You’ve tasted it.
You’ve tasted it and have concluded that it’s not worthy of your taste buds
Even though your children are lapping it up like water.
You’ve tasted it.

But have you smelled it?
No doubt about it.
You’ve smelled it.
You’ve smelled its rich array of flavors, caramel, chocolate, mocha, your mouth watering
But still you refuse to give it an opportunity.
You’ve smelled it.

But have you heard it?
Oh yeah!
You’ve heard it.
You’ve heard it fight, protest, and plead on behalf of all humanity,
In order to get the scales of justice to tilt slightly towards its side.
You’ve heard it.
Oh yeah, you've heard it.