I stand staring,

Mirror Mirror on the wall,

Who is the fairest of them all?

With smiles of laughter,

Voice of mockery,

It says, “all but you”.

How can I blame you?

Crusty and embedded in the fragrance of smoke,

How can I be the fairest of them all?

My skin cracked open by the worries of my mind,

Like a volcano, it erupts evidence of my pain,

My hair strands defying the basic laws of gravity,

Its curls coil around like springs,

Bouncing off on each fall,

Thick and tenacious like a root,

Showing in every way what roots I bloom from.

I choose to adorn my turban,

Twisting and tucking my burdens,

I wrap my fears in its goodness,

Its velvety feel; houses my delicate scalp,

Protecting me against the winds of life,

Its studs progress in sequence,

Decorating me with signs of wealth;

Royalty by design.

I am wrapped in your goodness and fame,

You have shielded me from the harshness of life,

Caused me to stand firm and tall,

My beautiful turban,

Whose ancestors are the kings and queens of strength,

Giving me the fortitude to bear all my burdens,

The option to hide all my flaws,

The ability to stand before men in high places,

You; my turban, my mantle,

You judge not,

For underneath you, lies a delicate woman,

One whose scalp cracks from the pain she bears,

One whose tales are bitter sweet,

Whose sweat bears blood,

Yet you hold me together like no other,

Oh, beautiful turban,

May you live long,

May your days be filled with unending praises.

Again, I stand staring,

Mirror Mirror on the wall

Who is the fairest of them all?

You who have decorated thy self with the stripes of strength,

Standing behind the shadows of the turban,

Your strength breaths alive through its velvet,

You are the fairest of them all.

 The Blackscribbler

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUY!!!

What better way to start the year than with a poem from Yours Truly.

I sincerely hope and pray this year is one of fulfilment and Joy for us all.

Photo Credit: The Blackscribbler

Model: Temiloluwa Oyetayo