Hey,so I just thought to document this here, It is an old poem I wrote,the inspiration came from basically watching the sterotypes black girls have to go through and how we are constantly seeking validation for our beauty, then I listened to Dylema's poem "what if a black girl knew "....I just thought to remind all black girls that they are just perfect.
WHAT IF A BLACK GIRL KNEW
#1
What if a black girl knew
She could embrace herself
That she could come to terms with her form
That her body must not conform to the norm
That it is an embodiment of fulfilment in itself
What if a black girl knew
That the folds on her belly is not a clarion call
Not a cue to seal up her confidence
That the rolls of lush flesh on her back is not a reason to relapse
That her loose skin is not a reason for her to lose herself
and be uptight
What if she knew that the blemishes on her face
Is evidence that she is human and not a reason
to forget all her wishes
That the bags beneath her eyes are not empty, that they
Carry clear vision and sight for passion
That her little, hollow or bulgy eyes will lead her to light
What if she knew
that the hair sprouting from the pores of her skin is uniqueness that will help her wax strong
That her big lips are succulent
That even her thick thighs can climb the ladder of success
That her body is magic
What if she knew
that even without the visibility of her collar bones
She is still a valid bone structure
That her stance can still make dry bones rise again
What if a black girl knew
That her beauty does not need validation
What if she knew that her knuckles can still chop knuckle(lol I ran out of lines here)....
#2
*What if a black girl knew
That she is culture
That the flicker in her eyes can ignite a dream
That the wonder lingering in her soul
can become a wonder
That the pout on her lips can turn to a story
What if a black girl knew
That her skin is heritage
That it's colour does not need more colour
That it is bright enough
*What If she knew
That she could tie the world beneath her turban
And own it
That her hands are equipped for moulding
Life's and shaping destinies
*What if she knew
That she could dream and wake up to it in reality
That her history is not misery
That her roots should never be uprooted
That though she is in boots, a strapless dress,
Fine silk or ankara
She is a representation of that place
That place were her true soul lives in freedom.
#3
What if a black girl knew
That she is blessing to the earth
Divine dust breathing life
With Equipped bodies grounded in
The art of holding life in her belly
What if a black girl knew
That her skin is the colour of gold dust
Glistening above bones that form
the frame work of her body
A body that curves in diverse shapes and sizes
or make a straight line
What if she knew
That this body is actually her own
An ownership she might
merge into a partnership
not dominace or choose to keep for herself
What if she knew
That the flesh that part her lips to showcase her fine teeth
Can close and open at will
That her quick gesture or smile is not consent
That an invitation to her home is not an invitation to treat her body like a treat
That the pressing of her palm against fingers
Is not a contract to make unsolicited contact with her body
What if she knew
That it's okay for her hair to be nappy
That her braids are to adorn her head
And not a means to drag her by even when she pleads bye
That her make up is good but it is not all she is made off
That deep down she is more than a pretty face
That her silence should have a voice
That her eyes should only water with reasonable reason
What if she knew that stereotypes do not fit her type
That maybe her body is main, it is not a prototype
That she can give room for growth and newness
What if she knew that it's not her fault.
Word of advice for people aspiring to write, your first draft is not meant to be perfect when I wrote this poem I thought it was the next best thing after maya angelou's Phenomenal woman but looking at it now I can see the flaws , better ways I should have put tenses etc.,I am working on a poem with this same theme and I am encouraged by my growth. So never discard your first draft use it as a reference point and don't beat yourself up, it does not have to be perfect - Roseline Mgbodichinma
Check out @Dylema_ page she is amazing!
Tell me your honest, sincerest opinion about this piece! Thank you
Totally love. I am so ebony people think I am from another African country other than Nigeria. I am so ebony black, they think I am from another tribe other than Ibo but guess what I have learned not to care. I glow black and those people started loving my color. I choose to be black and beautiful cos ebony is bae.
ReplyDeleteYour black is beautiful and unique, let them keep second guessing themselves and Victoria thank you for everything!your always here thank you
DeleteNice oneππππ
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis is honestly an amazing piece, I love it❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you for loving it!
DeleteThis is absolutely amazing!!!!!
ReplyDelete