Stand at attention with a smile on your face.
You dare not make your family fall from grace.
Black and excellence rarely mix.
But in this society, we all need our fix.
A hint of praise and worship you see.
The version that is anything but you and me.
Giggle, smile, and give them a twirl.
But, please bury your trauma, little black girl.

Commit yourself to being the best.
You must not associate yourself with the rest.
Iron your clothes and be so sweet.
But, hush while they take a bite of your forbidden treat.
Marry young and honor your vow.
But, when he attacks you don’t dare say ow.
Always be approachable and serene.
Otherwise, this world will think you’re mean.
Build your story on amazing goals.
Just remember not to climb too far out of your hole.
There is no space for beauty and grace.
They are all watching and waiting for you to fall on your face.
Parade yourself and give them a whirl.
But, please bury your trauma, little black girl.

Pretend like “strong” is a compliment you wish to hear.
The kind of credit you can hold dear.
Put your hands out and stay on guard
You can’t let your loved ones know this life is too hard.
Encourage the next generation to reach for the sky.
Never let them know how much you wanted to die.
Hide the thoughts that make you hurl.
Remember to bury your trauma, little black girl.

No! Wait! Please don’t go.
There’s a little more you MUST know.
You don’t need to pretend to fit in.
You are enough from your beginning until your end.
The pain is sharp and unkind.
But, your heart is a compliment of your mind.
When you look in the mirror remember your name.
Because little black girl you and I are the same.
Don’t bury your trauma and let them win.
No one is above their sin.

You meet the one that makes you better.
The one that spends time writing YOU a letter.
You have not one, but three little ones you adore.
That sweet soul is now nurturing more.
In many ways, you go on to lead.
Trust me, I got to see you succeed.
You persevered through it all.
So, in this next chapter let’s have a ball.

I love you, I do.
You will prosper, this much is true.
Because I am you and you are me.
Together, we are finally free!