Mr. Africa Poetry Lounge!
Perms, Hot Combs, and Curlers
 
"get it out" I say 
"5 more minutes" she say 
"get it out" I say 
"5 more minutes if you want it straight" 
blisters, sores, peels 
I pick 
Leaving lighter designs underneath 
I burn because I want my pride to blow in the summer wind 
I burn because I want silky, fancy-free shining glorious assimilation 
And maybe too cuz it seems easy 
I lay toxin thick 
Over and over ends split 
I drive down 
Beat less my own attractiveness 
I guess I am an American
		
Written by Jill Scott
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