Speak

Just because I'm brown

does not mean I'll be put down.

I don't have the privilege of being white

I'm not black enough to fight for rights.

I'm spicy, curry beige and tanned,

far from home and in a foreign land.

My blood is hot steaming and red

and when I stop breathing I guess I'll be dead.

Hear me speak and shout and roar today,

I have so many splendid things to say

so much that I want to share

show how much I care.

Let me spread my wings again tonight

They ache under this false face,

they're dying to unfurl and take flight.