“PIGMENTATION” from Melanie to Kareem

(Mornings, before school, mum rubs vaseline on my face

until I am a mirror. She wants me to understand

I am a reflection of my parent.)

You are the “NATION’s GEM PIT”. You have to manage

those “GIANT PIMENTOS”. They are not blemishes,

you are a “TINPOT ENIGMA” “EMOTING PAINT”.

Without a word for something, we don’t see it as distinct.

Remember your name ends in a ‘ream’, not a rim.

I named you with two Es so people smile when they say your name.

ream like picture of a wave like a “TIPTOEING MAN”

When you “AIM PEN, TOTING” you are “A POEM,

TINTING” at a “A G TEMPO,

INNIT” ? Ain’t “TIME, POIGNANT”

ain’t time “IMPATIENT,

GON-”