I See You

By: Khalilah Shelton 

Happy Black History Month! 

It's that time of year again and we celebrate,

but no need to do anything extra.

I see you everyday! 

I see the glow of your chocolate cheeks.  

I hear the joy in your voice when they finally have those jeans in your size. 

No need to pick your afro any higher or twist your locs any tighter, honey your crown is still in place. 

I see you!

You're rockin’ your “Woman of God” hoodie with your Timberland boots, 

on mission, restoring women with God’s truth!

I see you!

I also see your silent tears and see you whisper prayers to the Most High, cause life for you “ain't been no crystal stair.”*

I see you longing for a hug, no explanation needed, just a sisterly embrace. 

I see you!

I see your fears creeping in some days, I invite you to cast them at His feet, and kneel at the foot of the cross where there is always level ground. 

Let's walk together, because I see you!

Talk as loud as you want! Yell, shout, be glad, be angry, celebrate victory, cry because of defeat, do it all, girl! 

I see you. 

Pat your weave and lay your edges. Swoop your braids to the side and wear your beautiful wrap. Do what makes you comfortable.  

I see you. 

Curvy, straight, somewhere in between, whether hair or hips, it all fits 

and I see you, girl! 

No matter if you're the color of caramel kisses, peanut butter cream, cafe ole or a mahogany dream, you are made in the image of God! 

Not only do I see you,

more importantly, so does He! 

*excerpt from “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes