#CognitiveDissonance

I am Black, I am white
& everything in between
I am not asking for permission
I am just being me

And so what if I call myself black
I’m simply stating the fact
That the diaspora lives within me

I am not confused
Tho, you may be:
Your attempt to project
Failed miserably

Against all odds
I am serene
Despite your thoughts
I feel at ease

In your outrage:
I’m unconcerned.
You curse, you pace:
I’m unbothered.

Your Soul is drenched
By my claims
Bewildered
By my assertions

My existence
Impacts your spirit
You hastily jump
to conclusions

You’re tormented
By my Being
You fail to comprehend who “I be” and instead embrace fallacious ironies.

You don’t have to like it
You don’t have to acquiesce
For you’re irrelevant
In my most inner space

Feel uncomfortable? Good – you’re growing!

I am Black, I am white
& everything in between
I am not asking for y’all permission
I am just being me

And so what if I call myself black
I’m simply stating the fact
That the diaspora lives within me

©️ Daphne Mia Essiet, 2017