You Tell Me

You tell me

You tell my hair is too thick

Mamas say it’s just enough

You tell me my skins to dark

Mama says my melanin is the sun’s gift

You tell me I’m pretty for a black girl

Mama tells me I’m the prettiest girl in the world

You tell me I’m too loud

Mama says I’m loud enough to be heard

You tell me I’m too aggressive

Mamas says you fear my truth

-alana vines