What If I Am A Black Woman?

Is it a disease? Well, if it is, I sure hope its catching
Because they need to pour it into a bottle,
label it, and sprinkle it All over the people
men and women who Ever loved or cried,
worked or died For any one of us.

So…What if I am a Black woman?
Is it a crime? Arrest me!
Because I’m strong, but I’m gentle,
I’m smart, but I’m learning,
I’m loving, but I’m hateful.
And I like to work because
I like to eat and feed and
clothe and house Me, mine
and yours and everybody’s,
Like I’ve been doing for the
past 300 years.

What if I am a Black woman?
Is it insane? Commit me!!
Because I want Happiness, not tears;
Truths not lies; Pleasure not pain;
Sunshine not rain; A man not a child!

What if I am a Black woman? Is it a sin?
Pray for me! And pray for you too,
If you don’t like women of color
because we are… Midnight Black,
Chestnut Brown, Honey Bronzed,
Chocolate Covered, Cocoa Dipped,
Big Lipped, Big Breasted, and BEAUTIFUL
all at the same time!

So what if I am a Black Woman?
Does it bother you that much because
I want a man who wants me…
Loves me and trusts me, and respects me
And gives me everything because
I give him everything back, PLUS!!

What if I am a Black woman? I’ve got rights,
same as you! I have worked for them,
died for them, played and laid for them,
On every plantation from Alabama to Boston and Back!

What if I am a Black woman?
I love me, and I want you to love me too,
But I am as I’ve always been,
Near you, close to you, beside you,
strong giving, loving,

For over 300 years, Your Black woman…Love me!

poem found on tributetoblackwomen.com

photo is a google image search result; no copyright infringement intended