Who Told You

Who told you... that... Your black... Isn’t beautiful? That your broad nose, Wasn’t descended From Kings & Queens. That it didn’t speak of Royalty? That the onyx of your brow, And the copper, bronze, topaz, And the black diamond, That is your skin, Is not as or more valuable as their pearl or lily white? Who told you, That the way that your hair Stands or lays Should not be the standard From which “good” is Measured? That it should be chemically Altered, instead of Naturally treasured... That the fullness of your lips Should be censured, Until wanted and permitted, By them... Who told you, That your role in life, Shouldn’t be planned And designed, But not banned, By your own hand...? Who told you, That you had to pull your brother or sister down, So that you could Climb out of The barrel... that was not created By us, but for us? And.... who told you, That you couldn’t be loved? Love you. Love Your Beautiful Black Self.