The Invisible Mark
I was born with a mark
Deep in my skin, it tells a tale
I do not see it
This is where I fail
A stain that cannot wash off
No detergent is strong enough
It steers my life
Traps my tongue
Ignites my soul
Like an electric knife
I was born with an invisible mark
Wrapped in barbed wire
My mark drains me
This is where I begin to tire
I do not see this mark
I wasn’t supposed to
My mark is my cross
Heavy and burdensome
Tiny shoulders lifting a heavy load
I was born with an invisible mark
But I do not see it
I’m kept in the dark
{I wrote this poem and dedicate it to my African family throughout the diaspora. You are not alone. I feel it too. Do not ever give up hope for a better tomorrow}
