Louise's Glosa

All in the Skin

More and more frequently the edges
of me dissolve and I become
a wish to assimilate the world, including
you, if possible through the skin

           

More and More-Margaret Atwood

I used to constantly wonder,

why people whispered when I appeared.

Was it just me, being paranoid

I thought that I was no different.

But a part of me feels it,

is it me? my skin?

Deep in my soul I make pledges

More and more frequently the edges.

I lived my life as any child would

playing, drawing, whenever I could.  

It was fun, speaking my language

At age five I said something

and they laughed, 

not bothering to teach me; some

of me dissolve and I become

Somewhat in a shell,

even though I know I am not shy,

at times I think this is a lie.

In the white schools I felt no different

although my family they said we were protruding

in the residential school,

a wish to assimilate the world, including

all other nations.

It was hard trying to learn

to move your lips in the form of a prayer;

one you never heard before.

Or if you were caught cheating

you definitely received a beating.

Even with the strap,

there was no way to save your kin;

you, if possible through the skin.

Louise Omeasoo