Black History Month Tribute pt. 2

II. Enlightened

But my roots run deep
Twisting and turning,
Entangled in the lost legacy…
She told me to rise
         Because I have the strength
She told me to go where I've never been
         Because I have the vision
She told me to sit when I’m at my limit
         Because I’m not invincible
She told me to take control, claim my own power
Because I am.

And we—

She and I,

               My mother

               Grandmother

               Aunt

               Sister

We grow strong

Into this old, proud tree.

The wind blows

And my leaves may drift away

But my branches never break

My trunk never bends.

I am defiant

I am tall.

I want the world to see

To stand in awe beneath my shade

Never to ask what manner of tree is this,

But to know us by our rightful name.