Sun Rains down. On skin: black, white, yellow, and brown. And all skins burn Under the natural UV light.
Skin Is something that is not so profound. It exists in triangular lines of cells that are bound. Mending and bending with tears and scars, Over the muscles, tissues, and blood vessels alike.
Skin Is something that is on the surface; mind you. They tell you from the start that it’s the inside that counts, With glitters and flowers and sticker stars, That you are perfect no matter who you are.
Skin Is the first thing pre-schoolers recognized. One boy bluntly points out that this girl is Dark and *****, different from the rest. I grab the finger away from her eyes.
Skin Is the first thing that teenagers find to name. They call you ******, chinks, and a Terrorist. They dress as you for Halloween in “good” jeers, Never to understand the hurt behind and within.
Skin Is the first thing that adults ask about. They assume you are Chinese, Japanese, Aboriginal, Afri- Firmly I interrupt to explain about ethnicity and nationality, But they don’t care about who you are.
Skin Is the first thing couples try to match. Because people stare when black and white are holding hands. Even I am guilty of such and curiously wish to ask, How did they meet, fall in love and come about?
Skin Is the first gossip in town. It fills the news outlet with riots and protests, With each claiming their right but backlash after backlash, Just washes down the black mirror to static white.
Skin Is the first thing I find myself noticing now. In a fantastical resort in front of Dominican beach. White privilege enjoys an all-around buffet while Dark-toned staff work around the clock.
Knee deep in the surface skin. People bury themselves in it and live. But even insects and animals shed their skin. So, why so much emphasis on the Skin.
I ain’t saying that being White makes you racist or rich. I ain’t saying that being a coloured minority makes you a victim. It’s just something I have noticed; A problem so thin but keen in everyday Life.
Wishing For equity, not equality The needs exist. After all, Bleach skin with white sunscreen Is always guaranteed.