My Skin My Face

I was born to a dark father and a white mother

Everyone said poor thing she did not take after her mother

Neighbors, family and friends said

If only she were white, she would be pretty

She would be lovely.

My mother listened to these women.

When I turned ten, she bought me beauty in a tube.

It was called Fair and Lovely.

The tube promised few shades lighter.

My mother made me promise to use it.

Every night, before I went to bed

I applied the cream to our porcelain toilet.

I didn’t want to trade my honey color.

I didn’t need to be light to be lovely.

Two weeks went by, my mother was happy.

She invited neighbors, family and friends.

Everyone looked at me and rejoiced.

They swore I was few shades lighter.

I was fair and lovely.

I never needed to be fair to be lovely.