Hey Brown Skin Girl

“This poem is dedicated to my daughter”

My daughter

I see the way you frown

Wrinkled lines fill your forehead

When you tell me about their words

Brown skin girl

Fair skin girl

I see you question your identity 

Because others say you’re not kin to me

My brown skin girl

I see the frustration swimming in your beautiful hazel eyes

Because your as black and proud as can be

But somehow, they can’t see?

You wear your hair Free from bondage

But Return home with questions 

You pattern your hair with twists and rows 

But yet Returning again with depletion

Hey brown skin girl

Do you not know

Have you not seen it yet

Your eyes tell a story

Long before yours begun

There was a journey 

Hey brown skin girl

I wonder if you’ll hear the tale

Told by your ancestors 

I wonder if you’ll lift your head up 

Celebrate each strand of wealth that covers your head

Your hair thick and curly

It’s your crowning glory

Your skin soft and rich

Wrapping your body in purpose 

I see through the window to the strength you hold within

You will devour every storm with dignity and poise

Hey brown skin girl 

You’re my little Miss Sunshine

Now smile brown skin girl smile

Written by Author Naomi Williams 2021