[winner 18 to 35 age category 2010]
Deep within lies the unseen,
The Black that is me.
Not the simple skin, but below, between,
The crevices, the depths of who I am and shall be.
The strength of body and mind handed down through, and by blood.
This hidden pearl is the glow I wear.
A misunderstood joy, peace in the times of tear.
It is hope running in the red of my black
That which marks grace and endurance in my back;
The outward and inward curves; defiance, submission, but ne’er breaking.
Beautiful, is the diversity of the black;
Standing, solid African, in appearance, in voice,
Sitting, mixed with the world’s content,
The black beauty rises.
Wadadli Pen 