You I See Poem by Matshona Dhliwayo

"Before I see your race,
I see your beauty.
Before I see your gender,
I see your identity.
Before I see your class,
I see your personality.
Before I see your appearance,
I see your individuality.

Before I see your titles,
I see your integrity.
Before I see your reputation,
I see your capacity.
Before I see your wealth,
I see your charity.
Before I see your fame,
I see your nobility.

Before I see your culture,
I see your dignity.
Before I see your tradition,
I see your decency.
Before I see your politics,
I see your humanity.
Before I see your religion,
I see your divinity."
― Matshona Dhliwayo