The Skin That I'm In: A Poem

Dana Tate has been painting pictures with words from childhood. She has a passion for life and a heart for romance.

As I began to study the Word I slowly evolved into a strong, confident, woman. This poem is a reflection of my celebration from childhood to adulthood. As stereotypes that were embedded since childhood began to fall away, I learned to appreciate all of creation through the flawless eyes of an Artist.

When the Artist set out to create, more than likely He didn't seek input, but created according to His desire. Have you ever wondered how we can appreciate the beauty and differences in animals; yet, some cannot appreciate the beauty and differences in others.

When I first wrote this poem many years ago I penned it "My Nappy Hair" but then I allowed one of my girlfriends to read it and she felt I was criticizing women for not embracing their natural beauty. I had to correct her and tell her the poem is not so much about "Nappy Hair," per say, but about me learning to love myself not through the flawed eyes of mankind but through the flawless eyes of a Creator. Consequently, the poem was renamed to "The Skin That I'm In."

I love my nappy hair

I love this glorious skin that I wear

My color is chocolate

It's blended so fine

I love my full lips and my round behind

And, I really don't care what society has to say

I am beautiful, God made me this way

And, to hate myself is a disgrace to Him

So I'll walk with pride in this skin that I am in

There is nothing about me that I would change

In the eyes of my Father, I am perfect in every way

Imagine if I did, God may look at me and say

"Who are you? You're not the child that I created"

His beautiful creations are pleasing to His eyes

God designed us all with His vision in mind

And, because I was created for the glory of Him

I'll just walk with pride in this skin that I am in

So no, there is nothing about me that I would change

By the hands of my Father, I am perfect and tailor made

And, what society thinks, I really don't care

Now you know why I love

my nappy hair

© 2018 Dana Tate