The roots of my hair
come from the roots of my background.
Though I am my culture,
I am not only my hair,
my roots, I’m free.
If anything, my hair is me.
Golden paths,
chocolate delights,
fiery red,
or dark summer nights.
Textured and thick,
smoothed down and slick,
short and sweet,
long and chic.
Wavy & wild as a hot summer’s day,
bone straight, or crimp iron made,
curly Q, a ponytail or 2,
you are not your hair, your hair is you.

The texture of your hair
does not determine the texture of your worth.
Remnants of a time of slavery,
Black hair is not considered "good hair."
If your hair doesn't lay,
doesn't stay,
permanently altered or cast away,
You will be.
But with every little girl
who decides to keep her natural kink or curl,
the world slowly changes,
to a place that removes the value from your head,
And places it in your heart instead.