The Color of His Skin

I came to a part in my novel in which I envisioned a character singing an anti-racism song. I thought about simply declaring that she sang such a song, but I also thought the novel might be stronger if I actually gave the lyrics to the song. Below is my first try at it. Constructive criticism is welcome, that is, if anyone actually reads this. Zane is the name of the character's husband.

The Color of His Skin

I met him on a windy night.
My hat blew from my head.
Zane picked it up and turned to me,
And with a grin he said,

"I know the gods have made this wind
Just so we two could meet.
We should respect their will if you'll
Excuse my grand conceit."

I must admit his forwardness
Induced a rapid blink.
You see, his skin is golden brown,
And me, my skin is pink.

His hands are deft. His back is strong. And, yes, his skin is brown.
His eyes are kind. His mind is wise. And, yes, his skin is brown.

But still, he was a handsome beast
And had a nimble tongue.
I thought of right and wrong and said,
"Aw hell, the night is young."

We chatted down the street, and then
We dodged a weaving car.
The drunken folk were out, so we
Took shelter in a bar.

The keeper scowled a little when
Zane purchased me a drink.
You see, his skin is golden brown,
And me, my skin is pink.

His hands are deft. His back is strong. And, yes, his skin is brown.
His eyes are kind. His mind is wise. And, yes, his skin is brown.

And by the evening's end I knew
That wind had set our fate.
The only question that remained
Was could we beat the hate?

I took him home to meet my kin,
And told what lay ahead.
I said our love ran deep and strong,
And soon we would be wed.

"I'm sorry, child," my mother said.
"I'll save you from this brink.
You see, his skin is golden brown,
And you, your skin is pink."

And on that day I learned a truth
I sing without a qualm:
There comes a time in all our lives
To say to hell with Mom.

His hands are deft. His back is strong. And, yes, his skin is brown.
His eyes are kind. His mind is wise. And, yes, his skin is brown.


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