Editor’s note: The following poem written for Black History Month was provided on behalf of an anonymous student at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown. Polk Today wishes to honor that anonymity and encourage the author in their pursuits to tell their story further. It is also in this publication’s interest that by sharing these words to the public it provides a much-needed and valuable voice to the author, and the thousands of children across our nation and globally who are in need of a loving and nurturing home with a family who cares. Please consider if you are able to give a child like this author a space in your heart and home.
The Skin You’re In
By Anonymous
The skin you’re in should never be a burden. It should never leave you hurting or broken. It shouldn’t make you wish you were a different race, or make you feel like all your hard work has gone to waste. It shouldn’t hurt you, it shouldn’t taunt you, nor should it define you. It shouldn’t make our hearts skip two beats; it shouldn’t leave our weary feet crumbled in defeat. It shoudn’t make us cry silent tear, when we think noone can hear, and noone is near. Shouldn’t leave us wondering waht our purpose is here. It shouldn’t make us hate our past, nor make us feel like we’re an outkast. The skin you’re in should be a blessing, should never leave us second guessing. It should make us feel like sunflowers, elegant and tall, even when we feel nothing but small. Should we be put to shame for not looking the same? No. We should embrace our insecurities and inspire others to write their own definitions and stories.
PS – I have endeavored to keep the item as received by the author, so minimal edits have been made to the piece as submitted.
Check back in coming days for an additional announcement about editorial policy on submissions like this and “Letters to the Editor” in general. -KtE
