The Same
Stephanie Adams

Whatcha looking atta me for?
Tell me
what do you see
Besides,
my black skin that is wrapped around me
my black, coarse hair that resembles the black wool of a sheep
my piercing seemingly black eyes, that you still see even in your sleep
my big nose that flares at the sight of injustice and hate
my untraditionally small, defined lips tightly held not to open the locked gate
my big black hands, working diligently, only to have survived
my big black feet, unchained to move too free and dance in the moonlight until sunlight is revived
TELL ME! please
Why are you looking at me?
because, all you see is the blackness as still as a painted picture in a frame
the shadow of a human image in the dark, a person without a name
So, excuse me, I am Ste/pha/nie
nice to meet you
I’ll extend my hand, although it grasps nothing but inhumane remains
believe me, we are less different
and more of the same


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