My Blackness Poem by Marie WardAlonge

Please, don't come up in my face
With your words of disgrace.
Saying, I act like I am White.
Please, go do something constructive-like take a hike.
I am aware of my Blackness.

Don't get mad because I don't talk like you,
Nor Peggy Sue,
Or that kangaroo too.
Just go away,
Even for a day.
Leave me alone with my Blackness.

Stop trying to refine my nose.
So you can go,
"See, I told you so."
Let me be.
Don't try to define me.
Let me view my Blackness.

I don't jump too high
Just because you sigh.
I do some things at my own pace.
Give me my space.
Please, make room for my Blackness.

Don't "continue" to ask me where I am from, originally.
That sounds nosy to me.
If you just making conversation, let's talk sports.
You don't need to know my family tree or my co-horts.
I know who I am.
Do you know who you are?
Good. That's smarts.
Have a heart.
I am in touch with my Blackness.

Hey, stop staring at my food.
I find it crude.
How can you be so rude?
You have your plate.
When coming to these pot lucks,
I may not participate.
Please, don't hate.
Why should you care if I like pinto beans
Or English peas?
Get away.
Let me enjoy my Blackness.

I wear my hair in braids
Not because it's the latest craze.
So, I can be on time and still get paid
And every once awhile, still get laid.
I am woman but I need my Blackness.

Don't try to speak for me
By saying this is want I mean...
Let me tell you,
I know what I mean and I mean what I say.
I don't need your translation to plow my way.
I believe you understand, my Blackness.

When I take a moment to rub my eyes,
Don't despise.
Please don't say, "Look at me when I am talking."
Sorry supervisor but say that again
And I am walking.
I shall let you and H.R. deal with my Blackness.

Don't get me mad and when I react,
You want me to lower my tone.
You won't admit it but you were in the wrong.
So, when I take a stand,
Don't expect me to sing and dance.
It's better for you
To keep me happy within my Blackness.

Stop changing my name
To fit your game.
It should be pronounce the way
It is spell on my I.D.
However, that's for me to see.
Speak my Blackness.

When I pray,
It could be everyday.
So what?
That's just my spiritual Blackness.

I don't smoke weed
Nor grow the poppy seed.
I try to do good deeds
And not only because of my creed.
Baby, I am cool-into my Blackness.

For writing this poem,
It is not about race.
I have to inform.
You may wonder what is my excuse?
I don't have one but let me make one up for you...
I love My Blackness.