I Am My Hair

Lauren Kirkman

 

I am my hair.  I am my hair.  I am my hair.  Coil, twist, braid, lock.

Excuse me for my eloquence, this is the crux of our heritage, our essence, forget not the pain of being looked upon as a peasant, treated like a pestilence.  Taken from our homes, brought to a foreign land.  Given a foreign name.  Used as a pawn in a foreign game.  For centuries.

I am my hair.  I am my hair.  I am my hair.  Coil, twist, braid, lock.

Now I know who I am.  I know what I am worth.  I’m okay with the kinks in my hair I’ve had since birth.  I’m good in my skin.  No matter what shade it’s in.  And my lips and my nose are perfect as well.  No matter how thin or how big.

I no longer feel self-loathing.  I know my own value.  Let no man take that from me.  That I cannot allow you.

I am my hair and my hair is me.  Its beauty in every type of grade you see.  It’s part of my oxygen.  It sets me free.  It’s the difference; individuality.

Why not accept it?  Why try to oppress it?  How is it really bothering you?

I think not!  I know not.  Just more useless motions to go through.  I am my hair.  I love my hair.  I grow with my hair.  Dare to take that from me?  My dignity.  My confidence.  I gue4ss that’s to be taken too.  If you’d rather leave me shorn in shame as a shell of myself, then shame on you.

I am my hair.  I am my hair.  I am my hair.  Coil, twist, braid, lock

  • Author: Lauren K (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: September 4th, 2022 10:30
  • Comment from author about the poem: I am a 32 year old black woman serving a life sentence. I don't have much. But I have my hair. Until they make me cut it.
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 23
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Comments3

  • Lincoln

    Great penning dear. Keep at it!!

  • shaa

    Reading this took me back to the years of struggle. I wasn't around then but the stories, experience and what actually happened shake me to the core. Here we are years later and your words remind me of the struggle we're facing in modern times. Thank you! I think we all needed this wake up call. Greatly penned my dear greatly penned. Keep the spirit ✊

  • Doggerel Dave

    I think I now know more of the significance hair can play in some folk's identity. (never meant much to me - have it, get it cut!)

    By the look of your situation, you have much you could tell of your reality. I for one would be pleased to hear it. Please call again.



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