They say my roots
are complicated.
Uptight,
tangled,
wild,
uncontrollable,
unrefined,

unattractive.

The world wants
me
to simply

Relax.

What you don't yet realize is that
The true nature
of Relaxation
Can be deadly.

Bowing down to thick white creams
laying long
and flat
and docile.
Making myself "easier" 
to deal with.
(And control.)

Rinsing myself free
of my inherent anger
from years of maltreatment and injustice.

Ridding myself of my ancestors'
statements and frustrations.

Not protesting against 
the world's wrongs.

Just laying there,
limp.

I implore you
to think, Think.
About the real request
behind being
told to 
Relax.