Today's words: Edge, Iron, Direful, Trite
Word count: 170
Completion time: 20 minutes
Summary: Straightened hair sometimes has a deeper meaning
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The direful, untamed puffs of hair taunted me as I looked in the mirror
It was a trite affair – everyone did it but
I didn’t discover another motive ‘til my brother asked:
“Why are you trying to make yourself look white?”
I didn’t realise that by modifying my hair
I was doing the next best thing
To modifying my skin
I didn’t like my puffs because they were Afro, native, different
I sectioned my identity, tried to cut myself off
The iron was oppression and I held it tight
Trying to erase myself with a white rubber
Even black Barbie had straight flowing locks
I’d brush them til the strands gathered static
Til there were no more kinks
If I did the same to mine, my hair would rebel
The more I brushed, the bigger the afro
The more I edge from my race
The more it stares me in the face
Running fast or staying still
Makes no difference
It will always be here
Standing out against the light
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