Nurture Me
Image credit: Arahia Andrews
Nurture Me
I am a seed
Who really wants to grow
In order to reach my full potential
There are things you must know
From difficult foundations, I have arrived
The soil in my home is rough
Support and encouragement is what I require
A reminder I am enough
Internalised racism accommodates my being
Uncertainty and doubt fill my heart
Wondering which pathway to take
Wondering how to start
Trying to find my identity
To figure out who I am
Where did my people come from?
Where is my place in this land?
The story of colonisation is absent
In this system that we learn
The injustice and oppression
Racism and discrimination taking turns
For those of us of colour
We have already commenced on a back foot
In this game of life that we endeavour
On this land the colonisers took
Wandering through school and life
Searching for a glimmer of hope
Trying to find ways to overcome adversity
Walking a tight rope
So when you see me shaken
Wobbling on a thin line
Yelling and screaming is not necessary
I need someone to be kind
Someone to remind me of my worth
Encourage me and my strengths
When my world could be crumbling
But I know most will not go to these lengths
I do not need to be cursed at
I get enough of that at home
And please don’t put me in a box
I am not a docile drone
Inside I know I am smart
I have talents and skills to show
But when I am constantly undermined
Self-doubt creeps in slow
Although I get good grades
Like my peers of lighter skin
It seems the acknowledgement is absent
I have to try harder to get a grin
Expected to be a teen parent
Because I am young and brown
Ignorant to my dreams and capabilities
Constantly put down
All we need is love and support
Someone to provide a listening ear
Help to ignite that inner flame
To help overcome our fears
Internal barriers of self-doubt
Invisible to the outside world
So please help us take the next step
To let our sails unfurl
I am a seed
Who really wants to grow
To help me reach my full potential
These things you must know
Nurture Me
-A.A
