"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."
-- Nelson Mandela
Often found in spaces
that aren't meant for black faces
the expectation to rise
and thrive still remains
Blessed is the one
who can channel their gifts
and shine bright
through the darkness and lights dim
brought on based on nothing else
but the color of their skin
and the size of their lips
their nose's bridge
microaggressions and veiled threats
all the rest
Strong is the one
that takes the risk on
of refusing to be reduced
to a pawn
in the systems that are set
in such a way that their peers
should fail and fall
Do you see the trend?
lines on a screen
can you find the meaning?
somewhere in the voices of those
who scream these words
in a world
that never listens nor hears
Bold is the one
day-by-day
embracing the challenge
stretching for the race
studying and testing
for the trials of
being twice as good
twice as diligent
twice as patient
twice as wise
twice as charming
twice as brave
and brash
and built
for half of the love
with no semblance of guilt
or ounce of shame
Ingenious is the one
that realizes their calling
and regardless of the world's games
impostor syndrome
and shame
tap into their beautiful minds
channeling pleasure or pain
to relentlessly
rigorously and
ruthlessly
create.
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