An outsider's eyes

Maybe I should bleach my skin

and speak in your tongue

If it is the only way you can listen to me

While you are busy confirming my existence

Based on the land of my origin

and the color of my skins, which you think is flawed

Only because it is a shade darker than yours

Or my eyes wide open as always

like unclosed pages of a book

Because I do not like hiding any secret and

I believe that is the way a human being should be

Well I hope you hear about the passing of Mandela last week,

and tell me, would it make any difference to you?

I think No!

Because your shouting is still piercing to my ears, despite of everything that I do right.

Even getting more triumphant when you discover flaws of mine

I am surprised that the fear and obsession long way bound and gone from Africa land,

is now arriving close

As close as where the neighbor is standing

Yet you mention plurality

and idea of unity

The Root that we have claimed and shared together is now corroding

Flaking apart pieces by pieces

But I refuse to be consumed by the hatred

Because at the same time you breathe me life

The only kind that mother can bring

I remember there was a white fellow walked into our circle

You welcomed him fine

Then maybe I really should bleach my skin so that I appear better

Changing the hue of my eyes like the color of the ocean or coral green

So that I can live secured and beyond

Powerful, even

I am not a part of this nation

But I know what colors yellow and brown are

These are the names that others will refer to us as

Why don't we bury the discrimination hidden and silent

Just like the way you ignore and deny me

Because nothing matters if you are defined by

laziness

greed

violence

All in your own

Despite of skin you wear

The tongue you speak