Brown Girl, Hyena Loud-Mouth, Dirty Jokes
I am a proud
“brown girl, hyena loud-mouth, dirty jokes”
Sāmoan Woman.
My sacred brown skin is warmed by the sun
and comforted by the stars that guided my ancestors
My laugh pierces the stagnant air
wherever I go, bringing life to whatever hears it
This untamed, voluminous hair
soaks in every ounce of knowledge from
stories that are passed down through generations
I am a proud
“brown girl, hyena loud-mouth, dirty jokes”
Pasifika Woman.
This blood comes from a village with tradition
and I am one of the many daughters of Oceania
Our souls are powerful
like the Pacific Ocean currents
Our love erupts like a volcano
whose ashes spread far and wide
keeping our aiga close and grounded
I am a proud
“brown girl, hyena loud-mouth, dirty jokes”
Sāmoan Woman.
***
This poem was inspired by the comment, “But anyone else tired of this brown girl, hyena loud-mouth, dirty jokes, hahaha narrative?”
“My loud Sāmoan sisters are worthy. Every kind of Pasifika woman is worthy.” – Alexis Whiteis
Alexis Whiteis
Alexis White is is a graphic design student who is inspired by the love for her Polynesian culture, nature, outdoor education, and writing.