My Skin

written by Zoey Young

I edit my skin when I finish taking photos to fit in with the crowd of smooth skin knowing I have black spots on my face 

There are moments I see other darker complexion girls and wish I was as perfect as they are then I am 

However 

When I was younger I felt the need to be lighter to feel the need to be loved by all that didn’t love me 

My skin is powerful but not protected 

I wasn’t protected when I was called 

“Ugly,” “ Burnt,” and a lot more 

I wasn’t protected when that girl tried to harm me and a friend in the bathroom stall 

I wasn’t protected.

I was ashamed because I didn’t know how or who I was with the skin I was blessed with 

21 now and I still can’t clearly see 

I need to feel pretty to be fully me 

But I know my skin is me 

And I meant to be in this skin that I am in 

Because my name and my skin define me 

My skin is powerful yet not protected 

Thats fine. I have me, I have my skin 

I have my mom and my dad and everyone who loves me 

For those who don’t or didn’t 

I forgive but won’t forget 

I hurt but I heal 

I love but I will not get taken advantage 

My skin is powerful. I begin to love me.