Tall Black Girl
by Thomas Beckwith
You’re beautiful.
Tall Black girl,
laugh, smile, and dance.
Tall Black girl,
your height is just right.
Tall Black girl,
you can be anything you want.
Tall Black girl,
you do not have to play basketball.
Tall Black girl,
you can play volleyball.
Tall Black girl,
you do not have to play sports.
Tall Black girl you’re smart.
Tall Black girl,
you can be a model,
lawyer, nurse, teacher,
or anything else you want to be.
Tall Black girl,
stand up tall.
Tall Black girl,
be confident.
Tall Black girl,
your height is just right.
Tall Black girl,
please don’t try to be short.
Tall Black girl,
embrace your height.
Tall Black girl, please don’t be sad.
Tall Black girl be happy.
Tall Black girl, laugh, smile, dance,
or whatever makes you happy.
Tall Black girl, please don’t stand in the back.
Tall Black girl, you’re beautiful.
Tall Black girl, you’re a queen.
Tall Black girl, you’re just right.
Be proud, Tall Black girl.
Embrace your height, Tall Black girl.
You’re a queen Tall Black girl.
Always remember you’re loved,
Tall Black girl.
***
Thomas Beckwith is an Assistant Director for the University of Florida’s Office of Academic Support, where he provides support to students including academic coaching, leadership development, and holistic success planning. He also enjoys writing in his authentic voice, finding it to be a therapeutic way to process experiences and overcome past trauma.
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