Published in the Baltimore Asian Resistance in Solidarity 5-Year Anniversary Zine, February 28, 2020.
The round almond curves of my eyes
outlined by long black lashes
are brightened by the gold in my pupils.
The warm walnut brown shade of my skin tone
lightens to a cashew pale at my palms and
darkens to an umber in my deeper crevices.
These features dissected
in the minds of all who pass.
What is she mixed with?
Why is she here?
Where is she from?
Does she speak
English/Hindi/Telugu/Amharic/Spanish/Arabic/Swahili?
Does she know her people?
Our eyes tell us
Black/Asian/Indian
Our learning tells us
Indian/Asian/White
Curious minds forget consent.
Just ask. Always ask.
Demand to understand.
Demand an end to this racial confusion.
rajani gudlavalleti 