RBF & other uncontrollable aspects of an AfroLatina.

I grew up aware of where my roots laid,

But the teachings I received were turpentine to multi-dimensional paint;

Attempting to strip me,

a canvas of colors I thought beautiful,

Others saw as abnormal.

Not worth embracing.

I wasn’t the one that painted the canvas that is me,

I’m simply on display for the world to see,

A product of “too many” bloodlines,

A rubix cube,

A walking melting pot.

My DNA was out of my control,

But I was held accountable for my heritage at every turn.

A little bit of tropical Nigerian heat,

A dash of Boricua pride,

A quarter cup Native Mexican Nahuátl,

A half cup Costa Rican Sweetness,

A quarter cup Nicaraguan Determination;

Somewhere in the background my Greek and Italian ancestors were shaking their fists at those that seeked refuge in what we now know as Spain.

In the end,

I’m a beautiful mutt,

But me and the citizens of my country share one thing in common,

I’m American.

Another uncontrollable aspect is my face,

“Bitch” I’ve been told,

I’m not always smiling.

Resting Bitch,

I say back through my glossed lips,

My golden brown eyes pierce thru your bull.

There’s a lot to be said for acceptance.

It’s 2019;

Yet,

Someone somewhere is telling somebody like me that they’re not beautiful.

That their textured hair & light caramel skin isn’t gorgeous.

Shouldn’t we be embracing the different aspects of beauty across the spectrum?

It’s way too late in the game to bring back prejudice,

Racism shan’t run amuck.

To my beautiful interracial babes,

No matter gender,

No matter sexuality,

We’re beautiful.

You’re beautiful.

Your soul won’t fade.

To the proud bigoted segregator,

Tut tut Cheerio,

Your words won’t matter today.