Here’s The Skinny

It's about skin now, so I'll give you the skinny,
In the land of North, where troubles aren’t too many.

But beneath shine and snow,

Lies a tale of discrimination, as we know.


See, here we may boast of equality's crown,

But prejudice seeps through, and isn't easily drown.

In the midnight sun, where shadows hide,

POC face struggles and see their voices denied.


Hey lady, let's confront the reality,

Unveil the truth and reclaim our humanity.

For racism knows no boundaries or borders,

It tarnishes souls and crushes dreams in disorder.


In the North diversity may thrive,

Yet bigotry persists, striving to deprive.
The rights and dignity of those deemed "other,"

A stark reminder that you're my sister but am I your brother?


Where respect and empathy pave the way,

Let's dismantle hatred, one brick a day.
In the Nordic soul, let fairness bloom,

A harmonious symphony, dispelling gloom.

Hei lady, here is the skinny,

In this land, where shadows may be many.

Beneath the surface, a story untold,

Of racism's grip, both silent and bold.

Hey, you said you're not a perfect person,

Well, let's acknowledge our flaws, it's the lesson.

Here, where imperfections reside,

Let's confront the biases, side by side.

Hey lady fair, let me weave a verse anew,
Where understanding and empathy imbue.
Africans may live in Spain along their kind,
Yet for a few moments of joy, life is often unkind.

In the face of racism, let's not pretend,

That we're immune or free from the trend.

From Helsinki to Rovaniemi, hear the call,

To challenge hatred, one and all.


For a perfect world, we cannot claim,

But progress starts when we refuse to stay the same.

In Suomi, let our actions speak,

Hey lady, let's be the change we seek.

— Moe Louanjli, Helsinki, July 17, 2023.