I remember a time

I remember a time 

when i was scared to speak

afraid to laugh

anxious to be notiecable

to avoid trouble

the insults about my complexion

being called an african booty scratcher

my nights were filled with crying myself to sleep

I remember a time I hated myself

I wanted to be white

I couldn't stand the skin I was in 

this ugly, dark, charcoal skin

But I cried out to God

who told me he makes everything perfectly in his image

His everlasting love dawned on me

I learned to love myself

And appreciate the skin I was in

I remember a time 

where I told my peers that black is beatiful

I remember a time