I was raised in a house of colors

I drank from Green mugs larger than myself

The carpet was Tan and bed sheets Pink

White sweaters in the closet and Silverware in the sink

 

But the most beautiful colors I ever did see were the skin of those surrounding me

 

Cream: for my father's round, pie-like face

A Pillsbury giggle and waddling step

Whenever he is home, the kitchen breaths

He tends to all of our stomachs' needs

 

Brown: for my mother's strong legs

The womanly sway I always try to match

From her I learn history, politics, and the arts

And how to manage and balance my heart

 

Black: for my grandmothers' jaded hands

Carved like the flesh of ancient trees

They teach me the ways of the woods

To farm and gather my own goods

 

Blue: for my uncle's infinitely long arms

They lift me into the clear sky

He pushes me to reach for all of my dreams

To believe and have faith in a destiny unseen

 

I was raised in a house of colors

Shielded by the love of a thousand shades

I've fallen in love with every hue of

Cream, Brown, Black, and Blue