Is it the curl of my big lips that intimidate you

The stride of my steps that frightens you

Is it the whine of my hips as I walk with pride that torments you

Or the swing of my waist side to side that threatens you

Is it the texture of my hair, the napping and curls

The knots and tangles of my bun that daunts you

Is it the flare in my eyes or the flash of my teeth that persecutes you

Is it the band of my palm, the touch of my thighs as I walk

Or the sound of my voice when I speak that terrifies you

Is it the bold smile or the upright posture that signifies my confidence that startles you

The glow of my melanin as the rays hit my skin softly, telling my story and the story of my forefathers that spook you?

It is the reach of my arms that causes you to stare as I dance

The need for my care that causes you to provoke me

Is it the fear of my royalty that causes you to oppress me ?

Is the fact that you've  plotted against me for eternity but still cannot conquer me

You've set beauty standards against to diminish my prominence but they only serve to brighten my halo

I am built of earth’s dust and bone of power

I will never be tamed

I am heart to the souls and mind to the body

I will never be inferiorized

I am beautiful. I am proud

I am black and unapologetic.

*Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement in the USA