Like Dr. Bruce Banner

By Jacqueline COUTI

Growing up on gruesome fairytales and Marvel
comics; nerdy nerd, before it was a thing or badge of honor, dreaming of being
faster, stronger, enjoying brooding super heroes breaking and burning shit. So
many alter egos to pick from and yet, still could not pick a code-name. Reading
the feelings away… Listening to another nerdy nerd’s warning: “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I am
angry…”. Before BOOM, Dr. Bruce Banner exploded into the uncontrollable Hulk
until it is not… Incredible…. Banner has a secret.

Coming from a land of disasters, a tiny speck
surrounded by water where the soul can be wider than the ocean, but the mind
smaller than a grain of salt. This is a land of mesmerizing landscapes and
beautiful women. A society in which your skin may not be light enough, not dark
enough for you to be considered remotely fine-looking.  At one time or
another, you may be cute, but barely. You can’t be that lucky, can you?  Always coming up short, where to belong?
Elusive beauty…

Hair not long enough, not smooth enough Too dark, not dark enough.