I want you to see
(me)
Not past, nor through
(me)
Nor should you pretend
(I look as you do)
Nor will yourself into believing
(I should)
No,
I want you to see
(what’s here)
I want your eyes to trace
(the structure and dance of my lines
the texture and humility their design)
Heed
(my distinction)
See
(my colors)
Study
(their complexities
like your own)
Witness
(how I defy monotony)
Acknowledge
(my command of attention)
I want you to see,
Never fear
(me)
(My existences)
Pose no threat
(to your own)
(I am not)
your inferior,
your superior,
your equal,
I simply am —
(Just as you are)
Visual art by Rebecca Youssef
Gulf Stream Magazine 