I am livid

Let me tell you about

My worst paradox

It's weird knowing

That sometimes

When people tell me they love me

They are really so completely afraid of me

Their eyes give them away

And when I wonder why

I look down at my feet

And I smile

Remembering that the skin enveloping every inch of my body means

Bad

Trouble

Dirty

Unworthy

Impolite

Loud

Scary

But I have only ever tried to be

Hopeful

Kind

Loving

Accepting

Brave

Strong

Unapologetic

So you do not get to try to take away what I really am.

I will not apologize for my color.

I will not be robbed of what I am.