Brown Skin by Joshie

in honour of the pigment that transcends boundaries; melanin.

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Brown skin.

I’m talking about this brown skin.

The same brown skin that

marks me as distinct, and less worthy.

The same brown skin that is denied opportunities.

The same brown skin that is not loved by society and oh so

constantly disrespected. 

But,

I think this brown skin is beautiful,

so shiny and full of melanin, you could never

imagine the work and effort to create us,

the work and effort our ancestors sold in,

only to be sold out. 

Over the years, our eyes casts shadows

long after the outright lynching and mugging is gone,

leaving room for hate and to discriminate. 

Over the years, we recognize this sun-kissed skin,

we recognize the beauty within, the beauty that

spans all over these bodies.

And so, we fought for our place at this table,

and that has made us stronger than you ever will be.