A dark silken veil
Over a sturdy frame.
Dark
Like rich sands of rich Africa
From whence my fathers came.
Hued like chestnuts, ebony wood,
Raw clay, cinnamon, drying blood.
I carry it as though a battle flag
A shielding shrouding mark.
I provoke basest passions just ‘cos
I’m so ex-quis-itely dark.
This veil is my beauty
Formed round a tower of strength and mystery.
A sign of a kindred who’ve seen out
A terrible and troubled history.
They’ll teach you to despise
What you refuse to shield with knowledge.
And I wear all this like a crown
A bronze monument I daily polish.
I was born with a beautiful covering
It provokes yet protects me from attack.
And I’ll protect it from the wounds of the earth
‘Til earth takes me back.
I am black
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