Black Cotton

From the roots of my head sprang strands of gorgeous hair

Natural kinky and coiled together not straight and flat to the glare.

Years of growth without being tamed to the world’s cultural norms

Black Cotton has no shame and knows only her claim to conform.

You top the crowns of many light and dark, young and old

So many different textures glorious, majestic, natural, and bold.

Black Cotton sat in many churches with the joy of no stares

But entered classes, restaurants, movie theaters and held back tears.

Years before when my ancestors labored and picked fields of White Cotton

One never knew Black Cotton would be more unforgotten.

Backs bent with heads hung low labored to carry the Master’s White Cotton load

Black Cotton’ style and statuaries grace changed to be my gratifying goal.

To reach far beyond the restricted boundaries of White Cotton’s fields

Breaking glass ceilings, exploring uncharted airfields

Black Cotton rises each day filled with positive energy, willing to give her all

Never thinking of those things from yesterday now befallen.

A role model to young and seasoned women not taught to be happy with the skin they are in

Black Cotton is a vision of strength, determination, and beauty, a proclamation to win.

From my peripheral, I feel your warmth as you try to figure out my strategies

Not concentrating on Black Cotton, but watching my anatomy.

In a world where beauty is straight from crown to toe

You prefer to look beyond my heritage, my grace, and my vibrant aglow.

Years of loving Black Cotton as I watched it now turned to White Cotton.