Brown is Down

Brown is Down

By Kweku Owusu Amonoo

We’re now called people of color

Which is fine by me, if they must

The dark, less preferred than the tanned

Speaks volumes of judgment and trust.

The lighter-skinned one, prevails

Some even pass off as white

But regardless of skin tone or texture

Don’t we All, still have the same rights?

But, no, some say, “That’s idyllic.”

The light, mixed-colored have tickets

The dark(er) neither expects nor deserves

Whether it be, by protest, rally or pickets.

Ironic, ‘cos we all stem from one root

Mother Africa, the birthplace of Man

Yet the truth forsakes this reality

Blue-black, still less(er) than tan.

In Asia, you’ll note the parasol

Shielding Far Eastern skin from the sun

As if brownish tans are unhealthy

Visual code for a terribly bad pun.

And, yet, in the Western world…

A deep tan is coveted by many

Spells wealth, well-traveled, the winsome

Oh, yes, the jet-set can spare the odd penny.

Well, I, savor my chocolatey skin tone

Inherited from kith, kin, age-old

Bronze colored armor shines. brightly

Pure, rich. as the finest Aztec gold.

When the sun shines on I and my brood

Our skin sparkles and reminds of the stars

Whom reflect hope, rhythm and valor

Exceeding expectation, nonsensical radar.