Bleached Colour Poem by Kinyua Karanja

She used to be ebony and beautiful
Her true African skin tone was wonderful
We teased her and she could openly laugh
To this God given adaptation making us tough
Tough enough to survive in this formidable sun
Instead of grieving over it, lets make it fun
For me it's out of love, God gave us the shade
This tint to be envied allover, be safe and hide
But our girls don't see that, they hate it big

The other day somebody waved at me, waved back
She wanted to talk to me but I walked away first
Yesterday I met her, and she is no longer black
It has been a year or so since I saw her last
I couldn't recognize her at a glance as before
What the hell happened to you my dear?
Nothing, I'm still fine, I had to implore
Tell me, you skin is lighter and more clear?
She laughed and we parted away as usual

She looked light skinned but wired as hell
Later I learned she had bleached herself
I wondered why on earth she did it as well
Since the beauty she was seeking is not there
with doted face she looks as if she was in mask
We ought to love ourselves, that original look
That is the image of God, we are all wonderful
Black, white, red or any other color.
We all represent God and diversity