Before I was born, I was prepared

My father was added because he was the right color

My ears were checked at birth to ensure that I was the right color

Would they have put me back in the oven if I were not?

 

My skin came out light

My hair came out good

I have the right ingredients

Now, I must be prepared

 

They will call you black

So, I will call you black

Repeat after me, “I am black.”

 

They will call you ugly

So, I will call you ugly

Repeat after me, “I am ugly.”

 

They will call your hair nappy

So, I will call your hair nappy

Repeat after me, “My hair is nappy.”

 

They will make you work harder

So, I will make you work harder

Repeat after me, “Twice as good for twice as long.”

 

I was prepared to live as a color

My life repeats after me

Dark, unattractive, difficult, tired

But, I was not prepared to live with myself

Or was I?