cumin runs in my veins
cinnamon skin and peppercorn eyes
call out for everyone's attention
my words HOT on your breath
like the uncomfortable tingle of a ghost pepper
that is my truth

you don’t have to like me
you can hate my cinnamon skin and peppercorn eyes
but you will listen to me, listen to me and taste my words
HOT like the uncomfortable tingle of a ghost pepper on your lips
your lips that are my truth, created my truth and will be the truth

say I am too hot
too flavorful
too outspoken
but my words are simply
my truth
the truth you caused

when you took away the cumin in my veins

except.

I am exactly what you want,
polished to meet your expectations perfectly.
Properly pronounced,
I know how to write.
Almost white,

except.

you aint satisfied
least not till my hair fried dead an’ gone
looking like a skin bleached labrador
i ain't exactly what you want
and i'll never be perfectly polished for yalls expectations