Roots

I used to look at the brown girl in the mirror 

And wish for her untamed curly mane to turn gold 

I used to look at the brown girl in the mirror 

And wish for her skin to peel 

To become another's 

And when I used to look at the brown girl in the mirror 

What I saw was not beautiful 

Even though 

I was told of my ancestors power

My roots could not manifest

Until I realized 

That I could not synthesize self confidence until 

I stylized my internal soul 

To become an emobdyment of 

The roots which have held me down