-----I am my own self-----

An Ethnic Studies Palindrome Poem

by Sammi Hollandsworth

I am Myself

I’m not You nor Her

But

I may not be a perfect line, as straight as can be

I may not be colorful or unique

She is herself, he is his

They are themself, and no one owns them

We are one society, but not one person

Everyone is their own self and no one can influence the other

Brown isn’t scary, nor is black

Straight hair is just as beautiful as an afro

Feel pride in your strengths and weaknesses

Feel safe in your own skin

You can love who you want, too

It doesn’t really matter

as long as it is true to you

Your gender can change

And that’s okay

Though some people may disagree

They want you to feel ashamed

They want you powerless

Don’t fall under the eyes of oppression

The oppressive eyes’ stare is too strong, so

Speak out

Eyes can only see but ears can hear

Reach out to others for they may need to hear your words

This is a message for everyone

Not just for you, not just for her or him

Know this:

Though I may not be everything that You need

You can be what you need

Just be yourself, for

I am my own person and that’s all I need

And

You being you is the person that we all should see