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Brown


I
 
am
 
brown.
 
Brown like the bark
 
on a palm tree
 
which supports my heritage.
 
Brown like the sugar or the crust,
 
the grain or the nut,
 
whatever ingredient you want
 
to use to mix up
 
and around.
 
You see, 
 
my brother, 
 
sister, 
 
mother,
 
father, aunty,
 
uncle, 
 
cousins,
 
I
 
am
 
brown.
 
Brown like the coffee
 
by which my people 
 
drink.
 
Brown as a viola 
 
an instrument I play 
 
which
 
nobody but myself thinks
 
I am capable of 
 
playing.
 
You know,
 
I thought I was skux
 
which really sucks
 
but then
 
an opportunity struck
 
just couldn’t pay the bucks
 
While focusing 
 
on school 
 
to get
 
good grades purely
 
on luck.
 
I like Science
 
no, I love science 
 
And if I 
 
am lucky my future 
 
In science will be sealed
 
Not to reveal my 
 
flaws in sports, music, art, drama
 
or dance
 
I just need to enhance
 
my life skills
 
Because why?
 
Because 
I
 
am 
 
Brown.
 
Are we not more than 
 
F.O.B. Immigrants 
 
from the islands in search of a J.O.B. 
 
Are we not more than
 
some jandals and golden teeth
 
Are we not capable
 
of attaining at least 
 
one certificate.
 
Do not be afraid to be 
 
the change, not a change in 
 
skin tone or color 
 
but a change in mindset.
 
 
 
Ana
08/07/20
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©All Rights Reserved

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