The Complexion Chronicles: “Nayshawn”

<![CDATA[<p style="text-align:auto"></p><figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/84c03e_de1031e4d8814a67a22b539dc247114d~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1400,h_1400,al_c,q_80/file.png" width="1400" height="1400" title="Image"></figure><p style="text-align:center">Photo by Mwabonje</p><p style="text-align:auto">All jokes aside</p><p style="text-align:auto">You harm me</p><p style="text-align:auto">The stares are my judge and jury</p><p style="text-align:auto">The executioners made a “mistake”</p><p style="text-align:auto">Am I cursed?</p><p style="text-align:auto">My melanin sentenced me to a life suspicion?</p><p style="text-align:auto">A life of distrust in what is supposed to be in my best interest?</p><p style="text-align:auto">My safety?</p><p style="text-align:auto"></p><p style="text-align:auto">Cures for man-made ills that label me strong enough to fight</p><p style="text-align:auto">But weak to fall under its euphoria</p><p style="text-align:auto">My love carries heavy</p><p style="text-align:auto">But the attraction I receive is only skin deep</p><p style="text-align:auto">They love us</p><p style="text-align:auto">But don’t ever wanna be us</p><p style="text-align:auto">I’m inherently skillful</p><p style="text-align:auto">Tough</p><p style="text-align:auto">Beautiful as they see</p><p style="text-align:auto">But knock out the lights, where could I be?</p><p style="text-align:auto"></p><p style="text-align:auto">They will strip that away in a hot second the moment I refuse to turn on my own</p><p style="text-align:auto">If I’m held in such high regard for entertainment</p><p style="text-align:auto">Why am I followed in the streets?</p><p style="text-align:auto">The market?</p><p style="text-align:auto">And when my protectors label me a danger</p><p style="text-align:auto">Before resting me on the pavement</p><p style="text-align:auto">My loved ones and loved strangers sing in the streets</p><p style="text-align:auto">For my name to stay my name</p><p style="text-align:auto">Not a stat</p><p style="text-align:auto"></p><p style="text-align:auto">They love us</p><p style="text-align:auto">But they don’t ever want to be us</p><p style="text-align:auto">The stares are my judge and jury</p><p style="text-align:auto">But will never label me guilty</p><p style="text-align:auto">I ride for my own</p><p style="text-align:auto"></p><p style="text-align:auto">I’m not for making the sheltered comfortable</p><p style="text-align:auto">I was not sentenced to a life of suspicion</p><p style="text-align:auto">Distrust</p><p style="text-align:auto">Danger</p><p style="text-align:auto">The red that pumps through my heart</p><p style="text-align:auto">That’s the power I have</p><p style="text-align:auto">My skin keeps me humble</p>]]>