I am an art, beautifully crafted by God,
And displayed on the surface of the earth.
Just like any other creature, He gave me breath.
As I wandered about, I met many other creatures,
Who looked just like me.
The loneliness I once felt suddenly eluded me.
I knew I had companions, so I thought.
People who will see me as their coequal,
Just as I will see them as a facsimile of myself.
But no, I was wrong.
I discovered a bitter truth,
A truth that sent shock waves through my body.
I wasn’t considered a coequal by these people.
I was abused and ridiculed,
Because of my smooth and sparkling melanin skin.
I was shunned because I worshipped differently.
I was maligned because my values and beliefs
Were entirely distinct from theirs.
I was vilified because I spoke a different language.
Everything I did was considered vile and despicable.
As though my very own existence was questionable.
Just like everyone else, God created me in his own image.
Just like anything else, I wouldn’t have been created if I were irrelevant.
Nonetheless, I hope things won’t always be the same.
I envision a future where humanity will see itself as a single entity,
A future devoid of discrimination and enmity.

Copyright© Nasreen Zankawah,2020