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Obsidian

When we were younger, we talked.


We said

People in the movies are fake

But we tried to be like them anyways,

Make your skin whiter

Make your face lighter

Turn your voice into silent gold.


We said

We knew we are real people

But we tried unrealistic things anyways

Waists can’t be that small

Thighs are never that skinny

But that never stopped us from running more

And eating less.


We said

Who cares what they think?

But we cared more than anyone.

We heard every word they said

Our eyes were too dark

Our hair not fair enough

We saw no one like us on tv.


As we grew, we learned otherwise.


We learned

That when we sit in the sunlight,

our skin shines golden

and our hair becomes vibrant

shining and hued

We glow in the lighting we were made for.


We learned

That skinny thighs come with a price

Far greater than what we could pay

When we saw so many people

Fading away before our eyes

As they tried to look like the ideal,

They lost the health

That we retained.


We learned

That our eyes are pools of obsidian,

Deeper than any ocean

and if people are not careful

They will get lost

within our depths.


If you are one of us

And you have heard the whispers

Know that your eyes glitter

Your hair is beautiful

your skin is not too dark

You are meant to be this way

You are meant to be here

the way you are now.


- Lakshita

 

This piece was written after I considered how my confidence in my appearance had changed over the years, and how other girls who looked like me would struggle with their self esteem. This was made to reflect upon my thoughts, and to lift us up when we are feeling low.

 

Biography:

I’m a junior from Massachusetts. I’m a writer, artist, and musician trying to make a difference for the world. Poetry is how I reflect upon my thoughts and actions. I hope this poem has an impact on you.


Instagram: @lux_mika

Cover photo source: Ashley Seil Smith http://designcrushblog.com/2019/03/22/ashley-seil-smith/

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