DARK-SKINNED 80s BABY (Poem)

Written By Farah Lawal Harris

DARK-SKINNED 80s BABY

By Farah Lawal Harris, 2025

Turn the TV off.

The first Africans I saw

on the silver screen were on

“The Gods Must Be Crazy.”

Ka-boom!

Dark laughs fill the room,

and in me, shame.

Is God sane?

Turn the TV off.

I felt blessed to see Alek Wek

til’ her blue-black shine

was compared to mine.

Middle schoolers must be crazy.

“African booty scratcher!”

Self-hatred laced with laughter.

Turn the TV off.

Today my skin teach you how to dougie

every time the light touch me.

Iwishaniccawould try to convince me that I’m ugly.

God bless the child

who still loves herself.

Turn the TV on.

Child of Destiny sings of me,

Black coffee, no sugar, no cream.

I’d never trade me for anybody else.

—

Written for Day 11 of National Poetry Writing Month #napowrimo

Farah Lawal Harris

Farah Lawal Harris is an artist and breast cancer survivor who inspires people to overcome obstacles and be well. Through vulnerable storytelling, writing, and theatre, Farah makes people feel less alone and more able to tap into their personal power to be their best, creative selves.

https://www.farahlawalharris.com
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