Purple: A Poem By Salomee Levy

“Purple”

By Salomee Levy 

Authors note: I am mixed French white and Belizean Black. I grew up learning the perspectives of both communities I belong led in and embraced my identity from both sides instead of feeling like I just don’t belong.  

Coming from the City

and a small ocean town

Red and Blue parents,

I am Purple.

Tasting the sweet Baguettes

And the juicy Ceviche

I am not one but

Two.

I act like Belle

But look like Moana,

Before Disney

I was the Ugly Duckling

That the Barbie girls and

Ken boys laughed at

Told that I am a light troll

With Shrek as a father.

                                                                        “Who am I?”

I am Belle from my birthplace

with the bullets seeping through my skin                                         

I am

“Too dark”

To be Belle

                                                                        “Too light”

To be Moana

Why can’t I be just one and not

Both?

I am Purple,

The color of the sugar in love.

Purple, the paint of red and blue.

Purple, the creative mind of Obama

Purple, whose uncle in the skies told me

           “You are special”