Redhead by Briony Bax

REDHEAD by Briony Bax

It was decided before you were born

The melanocortin-1 receptor gene

and phoemelanin pigment weaving through cells

Only two percent of humans are Redhead

It is a curse to be a Carrot top?

To have your brother call you Ginger

Your skin is thinner than theirs

Builders shout Ginge as you pass.

Your tooth enamel has less layers

Australians call you Bluey

White skin burns easily

One old lady named you Cherry

You blush uncontrollably at the slightest

A teacher said your locks were Ember

You brush powder on your cheeks but

Everyone knows that you are Freckleface

Your mother says you should wear green

And that Poppy doesn’t suit you

Pink is encouraged but

You long for a Red coat - she says no

People stare and reach to touch your plaits

Your Irish cousin calls you Roisin

You beg your mum to cut your hair

The crossing guard calls you Rosaleen

The sweet shop lady says you are a Celt

Your classmates nickname you Spitfire

You punch a boy who pulled your braid

Your Ruby temper is legendary.

Scarlet remember you are a rare treasure

Forget the troubling names and crazy taunts

Pull up your chin and raise your face to the light

Show them the fierce fire that lights up your heart.

(all the words in bold are slang for redheads as found on the website www.gingerparrot.co.uk)