Black Boy
They’ll say you’re too dark…
Not knowing that depths of beauty flow through your veins,
Generations of crimson pulsating life that was given as drops were shed by your ancestors.
You’re beautiful
Nappy headed, dread swangin, curls poppin, cornrows droppin
We see you…
Fighting your own fight…
Praying for you to make it through the night,
Your silent tears are heard loud and clear!
You were taught that a man shouldn’t express how he feels,
And I know your mind is being held captive by the fear
Of standing face to face with body bags filled with bones of the people you can’t replace,
Of seeing mothers cry out over caskets covered in flowers; hearts grieving
No longer able to see their child’s brown face!
We feel you…
I know you’re scared, but I need you to be prepared.
I need you to know that you are the pride of someone’s heart,
That your skills and talents don’t define who you are,
That your past and transgressions don’t even come close to playing a part in the treasure that you are.
I need you to see that your skin is a canvas of water-colored pain,
Different shades of masculinity, truth, and prestige.
Your bones are bridges of strength; a castle made to withstand harsh winds and hurricanes,
You are a strong tower that was built to withstand the coldest rain…
You are the face of beauty, even to their disdain.
You are not a thug, you are not a mistake, you are not just another target for their unapologetic rage!
You are a collection of stories, passed down by trailblazers that found light in heavenly darkness,
That found courage to plant their blackness in soil tainted by cream colored offense.
Their shovels out with the intent to bury us,
Too naïve to understand that our ancestors were simply planting us.
You are the seed of black excellence!
So keep fighting,
Keep BREATHING,
Keep being…
Because I need you…
We need you…
King, the melanin in your skin is a threat to them,
But a light that the world needs,
So keep shining in the darkness that you are…
Signed, one of your Black Queens.
-A dedication to my son and George Floyd (May you rest in Power, King)
