The Joy of Self-Awareness

My lips are big, round and soft.

My hair is kinky and curly.

My skin is dark like the night.

My height reminiscent of a giant.

I am proud to say who I am

And there is nothing that anyone can do,

To bring me down and pull me around

To feel as if I’m nothing new.

I’ve been told that I’m not beautiful because my skin is dark.

I’ve been told that I am articulate by those surprised of my spark.

Nigerians aren’t supposed to be smart.

I really beg to differ!

It’s such a shame that all that lame is associated with me.

In books of literature I am a demon,

In films I am a whore

But in reality I am a teenage Nigerian girl

Living in this western world.

My objective is to become an actress.

My goal is to change the world.

And I refuse to let anyone’s ignorance

Allow my future to become swirled!

I have siblings that look up to me

Like one looks at a leader.

I am living proof to my sister

That the world is not all that sinister.

I could have easily sat and wallowed about all that is wrong in the world,

But God sent a message, telling me to let my dreams unfurl.

“Go forth my child and do what you can do best”

When I opened my eyes the lights shined brightly upon my breast.

They are the lights of the stage and there I am performing for millions.

I am playing the role of Juliet a young girl with a mission.

The only difference is, she is black and won’t fall under submission.

I do not want to be a seed, instead a beautiful young rose,

And in order to do so I must go the way the wind blows.

I am not saying that I’m best, nor am I the worst,

But I am a confident Nigerian who loves theatre the most.

I have grown over the years coming closer to the person I want to be,

I hope to grow some more in the future,

And hopefully, you will see!