Ancestors
A poem
I am protected.
And that’s on Angela
On Anita
On Helen
On Betty Jane
On my ancestors
Not just names
And faces on faded photos.
These days are dizzying
Have been since I opened my eyes
But I been steady
Steadied
From hands
Placed firmly on my back
These names are my clout
Blood and bone
Sinews and synapses
Provide not just
life force and electricity
But credibility
Don’t take my word for it,
Believe them:
I am today
Borrowed from and inspired by
Breath.
I am kept
By bodies that keep on keeping on
Their lives are my
Justification
For this fire
Forging my soul
So when I cock my neck to the side
Eyebrows dance in synchronicity
Don’t miss it
In between blinks
You may have witnessed my great-great-grandmother
Emerge from my own face
To put you on notice
That
They
have my back.



🫰🏾🫶🏾
Such a great piece!!