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Poem: I Am Me

by Daniel Nkado


I am strange
I don’t do like you do
Eat, drink, sing or sleep
like you
I am different
I am me



I am poor
I don’t have the things you
have
Not been to places you’ve
been to
Or sat and dined with people
of your class
Yet, I live
I am weak
I don’t feel the power you
command
I don’t have the servants you
have
Or tame maids at my beck and
call
Yet, like the painted lady, I
soar
I am a mess
I don’t dress the way you do
Or have my hair as tidy as
yours
Or my shoes or socks as
high-grade
Still, I feel glorious
I am dull
I don’t know the things you
know
Many times I feel lost and
cry
I wander and search
But I am hopeful
I am me
Pure and untainted I come
Prime and novel I remain
I am me
And I hope you are you.

About Daniel Nkado

Daniel Nkado is a Nigerian writer and social researcher whose work examines Black identity, racism, institutional inequality, social power and belonging. He is the founder of DNB Stories Africa. Read more about Daniel, including his research methodology and full biography, here.

View all posts by Daniel Nkado →

5 Comments on “Poem: I Am Me”

  1. Lisa dear
    But I did mention the painted lady na…it pretty much sums up beauty, color and freedom.

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