Skin

I wore yellow on my back,

On my head, I wore black.

I was darker than my kin,

Apparently that was a sin.

India on my skin,

China in my eyes.

I took years to think,

and then I realized.

Though the ugly sister I may be,

but these folks they failed to see –

The fiery sun beats in my chest

Life-giving pulse in my breasts,

The red running in my veins

So for strength, I can reclaim.

The grey in my matter

Sparking electrical chatter,

Gives birth to ivory doves

That carry hope within their coves.

The sapphire sea in my soul,

Once a consuming black ghoul.

Now tempered waves that flow

Onto the shores of tomorrow -

Carrying silver pearls born

Of the agonizing storm.

Breath of the mountains in my lungs

Night of the skies in my eyes.

On my back, dijon gold clung

On my crown, obsidian hung.