BLACK GIRL – Shirley Clark

They call me black girl,

But yet, I am not black.

I say to myself , “why do they call me black?”

Black means something dead or bad.

I know I am not dead for I am breathing.

I don`t feel like I`m bad,I`m good.

But then again what is bad?  What is good?

They call me black girl

I don`t understand.

I do understand that, that is my name

They put on me.

So be it me or not be it me.

I am proud, I stand tall, I am brave

And strong.

I cry , laugh, and reach out…

They call me Black Girl.

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from Against the Picture – Window: A Time of the Phoenix Compendium