You Best Recognize

This stab at poetry was inspired by a talk I had with my blog "twin", Brie, today. You know her better as Iventbyblogging. Anyway, I don't claim to be a poet, so don't be too harsh, especial you, Shazza and Dimples. Besides, if it sucks, you can blame it on Brie-Brie.

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

I didn't hide the fact.

You knew I was black when you met me.

So, don't act surprised how I act.

*
My brown eyes, they did not deceive you.

My full lips I couldn't hide.

So don't act shocked when you see that,

I'm filled with that wondrous black Pride.

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

My hair was still kinky, even then.

You knew I was black when you met me.

You knew me and Kunta were kin.

*
My chest was so full.

My shoulders back and wide.

I Held my head high,

and walk with a stride.

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

I don't be playing no games.

You knew I was black when you met me.

Hell, you could even tell by my name.

*

I had big ole flat feet.

My hands strong and rough.

So don't act all shocked,

'cause my attitude's gruff.

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

I was blasting my R and B tunes.

You knew I was black when you met me.

So why did you change so soon?

*

Are you ashamed of my pride?

To be seen by my side.

Does it make you feel like less,

'cause I know I'm the best?

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

Now you wanna be all shy.

You knew I was black when you met me.

Can someone please tell me, girl. Why?

*

You knew I was Negro,

A loud Jigga-boo.

You knew I was vocal,

I can't change that in for you.

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

What part of this didn't you get?

You knew I was black when you met me.

That's why you choose me to get with.

*

But now when I'm loud it upsets you.

Why do black folks tend to shout?

Girl, you best get with the program.

'cause we gots lots to shout 'bout.

*

You best hear my cry of denial.

A dream so often deferred.

A cry of racial injustice.

Profiling I didn't deserve.

*

You knew I was black when you met me.

Don't act like you didn't know.

You knew I was black when you met me.

Girl, you almost made me call you a "hoe".

*

But no, I want disrespect you.

My mom didn't raise me that way.

Too many black women have suffered.

For me to threat women that way.

*

Still, you knew I was black when you met me.

You act like I should be ashamed.

You hang your head low, you don't get me.

But I stand proud on my Ancestral name.

*

-One Man's Opinion. Peace.