Poetry About Colorism in South Asia

At the cosmetics counter, shades stop too soon. An auntie lowers her voice beside the mirror. Old rankings travel lightly through a family. They settle in nicknames, portraits, wedding talk. Still, every face refuses the borrowed scale. Brown skin keeps all the sunlight it was given.

Evening changes the weight of the scene. Old rankings travel lightly through a family. A smaller detail comes forward. Still, every face refuses the borrowed scale. Meaning gathers without raising its voice. Brown skin keeps all the sunlight it was given.

At the cosmetics counter, shades stop too soon. Hours pass, but the image does not leave. Old rankings travel lightly through a family. It returns us to skin tone, inherited bias, beauty standards, family language, resistance, and self-worth. Still, every face refuses the borrowed scale. The day continues with a more attentive heart.