Black Horizon

I woke up black today and cursed the heavens for making me this way; because never did I imagine I'd live in a world that would justify any reason for melanin to be slayed. I woke up black today and teared up at the reflection of my natural hair; knowing someone would disrespectfully ask to touch my tresses or turn up their nose and just stare. I woke up black today and cried in the shower trying to wash the hurt away; the hurt that seeps in from seeing white ladies hold their bags tighter when I walk their way. I woke up black today and wondered what Martin, Malcolm and Harriet saw in us; what made Rosa's black ass good enough to sit down on that bus. I woke up black today and hoped it would be the day someone acknowledged me; but instead of returned greetings, I got a row of car alarms with obnoxious beeps. I woke up black today and wished I could talk to my black sisters, my black friends; the ones who secretly hate me because, though black, I'm one of the "light skinned." I woke up black today and, with nowhere to go but up, finally said fuck the way others look at me and feel; because truth be told, my black is beautiful. I was just born in a world that has no clue how to deal when black people awaken to the realization that oppression can never stop kings and queens from reclaiming their mansion on a hill! I woke up black today and for the first time ever, I smiled and reveled in my skin; I knew then, black could never be broken. I looked back to the heavens I cursed and thanked them for the endurance, the strength, the peace and equality my ancestors fought for back then. Because being black is a gift rarely appreciated, and history proves despite the obstacles, black people prevail time and time again.