Meet Me In The Middle

Middleman, middleman, mid-woman

Skin so fair, off-white, tan

Trying to find your balance upon the rock on which you stand

Standing in the middle of “No-Man’s land”

But how so? You’re a Black woman with light skin

Is your skin not “Black” enough to fit in with your next of kin?

Is it the guilt you feel for society favouring your “yellow-bone” over their beautiful brown skin?

Or are you insecure that you weren’t blessed with enough melanin?

Some tried to invalidate your Black card, disrespectfully

Fear of rejection became your number one enemy

Your desire for unity overshadowed by their perception of your reality, identity

Your light dims as you try to restore a dying community

A community with no herd immunity, still you make it your duty to love on your people

Though in the stillness, that same love for yourself is not equal

See-through, as you shed layers revealing the true colours that lay beneath you

Truth be told, the path to self-acceptance never felt so equally painful yet peaceful

Middleman, middleman, mid-woman

You're a star-studded creation, apart of the universe's masterplan

Your light, held tightly in the palm of your hand

You possess a rare beauty, you’re anything but bland

Crystal clear, hazel eyes, a testament of your diversity

Your curves inspire you to colour outside of the lines unapologetically

The versatility and complexity, of your tenacious kinks and curls

Like a crown of soft pearls, oh little girl,

Why were you ever afraid to display your roots in front of the world?

Rooted in strength, resilience and power

Yet you blossom like a wildflower

Where you lack with words,

Your presence speaks louder

So continue to blossom in your ‘awesome’

Blur the lines, then cross them

Your beauty is more than skin deep

Your truth lies where you lost it

Dear middleman, dear mid-woman,

With skin so fair, off-white, tan

If you still don't feel like you belong on that rock upon which you stand

Remember you’re right where you need to be, and your light is in your hands