Human Family

I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.

The variety of skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.

I’ve sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I’ve seen the wonders of the world,
not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women,
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I’ve seen not any two
who really were the same.

We seek success in Finland;
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we’re the same.

I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
–Angelou, M., “I Shall Not Be Moved,” Random House 1990 (adapted).