i am a black man

(Originally posted May 2021 on vocal.media)

i am a black man
smooth skin of brown
soft hair of ebony
ivory sliver of a smile
from an island green
on limestone white and red clay
surf’s blue sheen
golden sand and sun
memories of laughter and fun
i am a black man
now in a land
of heart thumping fear
when i see the lights in the rear
hands in sight
freeze don’t fight
resist the urge for flight
what is the color of fear?
the shade of belonging?
feeling blue they do not see my value
forgiveness is pink i think
embracing myself until the sickly slick sludge of
unworthiness and self-hatred dissipates
into warm hue
i choose love
i am a black man