The True Tale of a Black American Woman

Summary

"When Will I Fit In?" is a poem by Terryn Witherspoon-Woolfolk that reflects on the struggle of a Black American woman to find acceptance and belonging in society, influenced by Maya Angelou's work and contemporary writing prompts.

Abstract

The poem "When Will I Fit In?" by Terryn Witherspoon-Woolfolk is a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the search for belonging. Inspired by Maya Angelou's resilient spirit in "Still I Rise" and ADEOLA SHEEHY-ADEKALE's writing prompts, the poem delves into the personal journey of a Black woman questioning when she will be embraced by society. She grapples with societal standards of beauty, the political landscape's impact on her community, and the desire for unity within her cultural identity. The narrative evolves from a place of questioning to a realization of self-worth and the breaking down of barriers that divide. The poem emphasizes the importance of recognizing individuality and the collective struggle for empowerment and freedom.

Opinions

The author expresses a longing to conform to societal beauty standards, such as having lighter skin and a different body shape, influenced by media portrayals like those of Beyoncé.
There is a sense of frustration and impatience with the political climate and its implications for the Black community, highlighting the hope for change and acceptance.
The poem conveys a deep desire to be seen and chosen, both in personal relationships and within the broader context of society, suggesting a struggle with feelings of invisibility and rejection.
The narrative reflects on the internalization of societal divisions, questioning the origins of these separations and the impact on personal identity.
The author critiques the objectification and entertainment value placed on Black bodies by society, recognizing the oppressive nature of such treatment.
The poem ultimately arrives at a place of empowerment, advocating for the use of collective strength to break free from oppressive structures and embrace true individuality and unity.

When Will I Fit In?

By Terryn Witherspoon-Woolfolk I sit waiting, looking at Beyoncé, wondering When will my face get light and my bottom get fat Then Instagram came, and I sat wondering When will my hair get silky, straight, and long Before then, I sat in a classroom both young and strong, thinking When will the boys choose me over her: she’s just thin and blonde So I sat, and the fury grew but inside derived a solution in which I was fond When will I live in the South? Blackness is appreciated there So I sat studying with dreams of a place where people weren’t fair Then I’ll be the pretty one. Yes. When.

I sit waiting in front of the tv screen, finally being able to understand the implications of politics. When will they stop with the fits of rage I sit waiting for the results and the final vote When one man could harm my people and the other gave hope I sit much older now, in the South being black When will I like tight clothes and my hair slicked back I sit, hating that I don’t talk like them When will I fit in, so it becomes we, not them I sit knowing they’re my people after all So when will my blackness be accepted by all, even them I sit wishing I could relate more to the struggle of survival-type tasks because When I grew up, all I had to do was ask. I sat once, giving much of myself away Just so they could say, welcome, you belong.

I sit, waiting for a text back When will he see me, me? The one that has his back and front covered. I sit waiting on the phone for him to choose someone to see When will anyone choose me? I sit listening to him say he’s always loved black women; could that be me? When he said that, I remembered I looked nothing like Bey.’ I sat remembering that I don’t talk like them When he said that, I remembered I don’t walk like them I sat thinking, how could he choose me? When they never chose me so I could go to we I sat crying when I realized he could see When he said there was no them, nor we, only me I sat full because he recognized I Knowing now, I didn’t have to hide.

I sit here writing wondering, who was them When did I make the division, and who divided we I sit here writing wondering if there is a different them that doesn’t want me to be we When did we leave identity up to the powers that be I sit here writing wondering was this the original design When did they decide, the different they, when did they confine I sit here thinking it must have been intentional When the original them just called it traditional I sit here thinking that they, the second they, have used our bodies for entertainment, and called it good. When they separated me by making me want something I could not attain I sit here thinking that I can’t determine the line between empowerment and oppression When I thought about what I would say if they became me and we became we, it started an obsession in me I sit believing that we will use the keys for which we’ve fought to release each woman, man, brother, sister, father, and mother To fly with the others So each caged bird could go free to be who they want to be Do not let them hem you in, no go And fly with them Rise on your ancestors pain and soar even when it rains

The True Tale of a Black American Woman

This Poem Was Inspired by A Writing Prompt and Maya Angelou

When Will I Fit In?