2003 Langston Hughes Poetry Contest Winners

Exquisite
by Lakisha Hamilton of New Orleans, LA

whether it's wavy
like ocean waves at sunset
cottony like the end of a Q-tip
knotted or silky straight
it's all beautiful
and it's in my hair

button shaped
with just enough
cartilage to be pinchable
or a little extra to flare with distinction
it's all beautiful
and it's in my nose

silhouette like a Coke bottle
bottom wide and round like a flask
or even a slightly bent ruler
it's all beautiful
and it's in my curves

whether it be the color butterscotch
Hershey's special dark
or like milk chocolate chips
that melt in freshly baked cookies
it's all beautiful
and it's in my skin

beautiful people of African descent
a dazzlement of genetic variety
producing unique beauty

Back to Tom Dent Literary Festival, 2003