hiding in plain sight:  ferguson

don't have to scratch
very deep down
rip through this white skin
bare the african soul

pale features
blue eyes
my fortunate mask
that opens doors

underneath:  black - brown - red

africa adopted me
as a child
where i lived happy
in her black embrace

my blonde mother
skin the color of earth
was brown and red
mexican and native

i can't breathe:  but it looks like i can