For the Love of You

On this fine night in my far-from-fair skin, I sit with myself and pour my love out through vocation. The love that I seem to find in anger and peace. The love that less than half of my ancestors can attest to but many have experienced. The love that I found within myself. Within the fig undertones of my beloved kin. I tend to keep windows open during the day and sit with myself. I love how my skin glows under natural light as I feel the directions the wind has decided to move. From the curves of my locs, and lips to my hips to my toes, I am thankful. Thankful my hyperpigmentation has no affiliation with the beauty standards within this nation. As my silk pajamas fall into place on cotton sheets I can feel the comfort I have been blessed to find through speaking. The same feeling I get when I dance with my father who finds his comfort through music and feet on tiles squeaking. To my sistas and brothas who find comfort, live in it unapologetically. For as long as the new moon to new moon appears again and again, honor yourself. For those whose love and existence can only be found on shelves. Or for those who wish to have shown their pride, in a world where we are still seen as needy and ignorant to ourselves. Take pride, take pride, on this fine night.  

-Verdure