FOR A BLACK GIRL

Sufi Asaata Springer (16)

FOR A BLACK GIRL

Why did god make me black ? 

Or skin that makes me prone to attack 

With a nappy fro and an African nose 

In a society that holds me ever so low 

complexions to dark, demeanors to tough Your melanated skin wont ever be enough 

Hatred for myself is what I’m taught to see

born into a world already against me 

“You're pretty for a black girl “

“For a black girl you're smart” 

“You’d just be better if your skin wasn’t so dark”

Hate is spewed from my brothers each day

When the womb we shared was one in the same  

 But a black mothers love they can appreciate 

Yet still have the audacity to spread all this hate 

So why did god make me black? 

If people preach diversity, then hatred behind my back 

A girl who’s articulate they love to see 

Except when she’s black and she looks like me 

Told I’m too white to be black 

and too black to be white 

While my sense of self withers each internal fight 

“For a black girl you're  pretty”

“For a black girl you're smart”

why is this hatred so deep in their hearts?

God made you black because you are light 

He gave you your strength through those sleepless nights 

The nights where you tossed scrutinizing your skin 

With a shattered soul that you prayed he’d help mend 

Your complexion is elegant, your demeanor is strong 

Your fro is the music your lips are the song 

Your skin is of diamonds the finest at that 

Your people are warriors and that is a fact

A black girl is beautiful 

A black girl is brave 

With a love for my culture I’ll always parade