I am worthless (a poem...)

[futurebird]

I am worthless
no worse, I'm scared
the daughter of slaves
a bastard daughter too
my lineage fades into rumour
and the whispers
of big hipped women

I am worthless
my name will not open doors
(some it may even close)
my skin is brown
like a grocery bag
my hair is thick
and will not grow long
my nose is not famous

I am worthless
I have no dowry.
Not even a token.
Not even a bit of bad land
or an extra house
or a horse
or a gem
or a coin
or some tooth fillings

I am worthless
and yet you love me.
you let that overused word
slip from your lips
and did not correct it

if you are going mad,
don't look to me to cure it!
You've turned lead to gold
and water into blood.