Melanin Money

I did not miss my coronation at birth

I know my worth

I was born rich:

Wealthy with melanin

Born of the sun

The crown was too big

So I had to grow to

Look in the mirror

I didn’t understand my reflection

I saw myself wealthy like Mansa Musa

In charge of my fate

Getting melanin money

Resistant to slavery like the maroons:

My ancestors greatest vision

I saw their dreams in my eyes--

A gem

I saw the future, the past, the present

I saw the L’s I would take change to W’s--

Lessons to wisdom--

Mind wealth to money wealth

Books to the bag

They told me don’t squander your wealth

We died for these gifts to live on in you:

Our greatest treasures

You’re melanin wealthy

An icon

Trust us

And always remember your worth