I too am beautiful

Look at the way you see me.
By Kristen L. Harper
Fall 2012 8.15.12

My inner spirit wrote: “I have spent my life watching you, seeing your accomplishments, living the way I think you want me to. I have watched the way you move and the way you talk. I have listened to your story and learned your history. I have sat patiently as you explained your politics, your religion, your philosophy of life. I have walked with you on a journey of faith waiting for my turn to share, to explain, to lead.”

Look at me—I am black and you are white, but I too am beautiful
Look at my face, my hair, my clothes—they may be different
     but aren’t they worthy of your gaze?
Look at my walk, the way my hips sway to the music in my soul,
     the way my proud neck tilts to the sun, yes look at me
Look at my darkness, it contains light and love, rebirth and growth
Look at my pain, don’t turn away
Look at the way you see me, I am human, I have tears and fears,
     I have laughter and joy
Look at me and walk with me
I too am beautiful.

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This article appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of UU World (page 17). Excerpted from Voices from the Margins: An Anthology of Meditations, ed. by Jacqui James and Mark D. Morrison-Reed (Skinner House, 2012). See sidebar for links to related resources.

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