Black, White, Just Right!

Mama’s face is chestnut brown.

Her dark brown eyes are bright as bees.

Papa’s face turns pink in the sun; his blue eyes squinch when he smiles.

 

My face? I look like both of them.

a little dark, a little light.

Mama and Papa say, “Just right!”

 

Black is the color of Mama’s hair,

crinkly, curling around her face.

Papa’s hair is popcorn colored,

short and straight and silky-smooth.

 

My hair? Halfway in-between –

a dark brown ponytail tied tight.

Three in the mirror. We look just right!

[…]

Mama’s hands are smooth and quick at fixing zippers, tying bows.

Papa’s hands are hard and large,

strong enough to boost me high.

 

My hands? Halfway in-between –

small and hard with rough-chewed nails.

Walking down the street at night,

holding hands feels just right!