CAMOFLAUGE

"CAMOFLAUGE" (POEM)

This skin I wear is a defense mechanism

Given to me by Mother Nature herself

One could say that I'm naturally camouflaged

To blend in with the depths of the human heart

Sometimes my skin is a hue like midnight blue

So that I may hide against the late night sky

Because I've been known to float when I dream

Safe at home, my skin turns a warm coco brown

Reminding my family just how sweet a kiss

A word, a smile from these big lips can be

Upon sensing an existential threat, I turn stealth

Reflecting my cosmic fear of the unknown

Yes, you found me in this heart of darkness

Camouflaged, you walked right past me

Until I reached out and I grabbed you

Like a black panther who's just protecting

Her cubs from becoming a new belt or coat

Still, you hung me up against your society

Where, everyday, I stick out like a sore thumb

An uninvited elephant in your boardroom

Or a Giraffe speeding in a droptop convertible

But that's ok, because this damn skin of mine

Is working everyday 9 to 5 plus a little overtime

Transmuting itself to a dollar bill green with

Hints of gold, platinum, and petroleum black

So that I may blind you all with your own jealousy

Envy and greed to finally make my great escape

Back to where skin is just that - skin.

The Poet, Havi