White

I look at myself in the mirror.

I feel different.

I’m not like everybody else.

My skin is dark.

Dark as night.

I remember standing outside waiting for my mom to get me.

I see these white teens staring at me.

Laughing at me.

I saw this teen grabbing dirt from the ground and put all over his face.

He stands there with that dirt all over his face.

Standing there.

Staring at me.

I said nothing to him.

What was I supposed to say?

Or do?

My thoughts kept rolling and saying, “Are you mocking me? Are you mocking me?”

Are you mocking because I’m black?

Yes, I’m dark-skinned but that’s the way I’m made.

Do you see me mocking you?

What if I put white powder on my face?

Is it offending you?

Am I mocking you?

Would I look like you?

You say nothing but when it comes to my skin tone

You're mocking me.

Does my skin mean anything to you?

My skin is black

Of course, you know that

I know everyone’s skin is different.

I respect my skin.

No bleach required.

I know who I am.

I am me.