Off Color

Who is to say,
That because my skin is brown,
I am worth less.
Who is to say,
That because my hair is kinky,
I should be the focus of jest.
Who is to say,
That because my nose is flared,
I cannot be trusted.
Who is to say,
That because my lips are thick,
My rank should be adjusted.
Attributes should not discount
My contributions as fodder in the sky,
Nor bare witness against my ambitions ,
Without the batting of an eye.
When deserving,
Attribute to me both good and bad
Not just one or the other.
Then maybe,
Just maybe, we can live in peace.
And soon get off the subject of color.

                                          -Adrian Miller