I think someone of all races can find some type of resonance is not only this piece but also this book as a whole. Anyone can find something that relates to them, so if it does, then it was meant for you at that moment. Why I specifically dedicated this to young black women is because we are one of the most marginalized groups in America. The hate that is regarded to us is not only built into our society but in our own families as we grow up. I think that this is something that we can all relate to on a personal level. Everyone has some type of story if they think far enough back. We need to recognize the internalized misogyny in our own communities in order to move toward a better future. Take what resonates. Think about what this means to you, no matter who you are and what you look like. You can always learn more about who you are If you take the opportunity to do it.
When we were young,
we were taught
that our bodies
were supposed to be hidden.
"Cover-up!"
They told us,
"There is a man
in the house".
We were taught
to hide from
our true selves;
In fear
of our confidence
being mistaken as
an invitation
for someone else to enter
our sacred temple.
The one that
we had always believed
was our own,
was controlled
by the strings
of a puppet master.
We were taught
that these strings were
something that
we can never escape.
The burden
of those two strings
will forever weigh more
than we thought
we could bear.
What we
should have been taught
is that
we can bear more than
what we have been told.
That the strings used to holster
us up could be severed.
We
were never meant
to be someone's puppet.
We are
the masters in our lives.
We control
our destiny.
We should not fear
the thing that
God has given us.
We were made in
the image of beauty.
We were made
to burn brighter
than a thousand suns.
We will walk
with confidence
in our stride.
YOU ARE READING
Falling in Love with Myself
RomanceI wanted to write a story about myself and my experience with love, or lack thereof, as a black child, teen, and you adult in America. It is hard to find love not only from another person but from yourself. This is my journey to self-love told in a...
