Beaten but never broken...

Here's the poem I performed at Ribbon Rouge!

It
is where our
dreams were
first conceived
birthed over
rhythm and melody
spoken around
drum circles
echoing the stories
of our
ancestors

Where our mouths
First gave voice to
language
The foundation of all
that we are
was laid
in every corner of
this land
you call
Africa
but I call her

Mother

So,
Let me tell you
about my mother
she
like poetry
is endless
and she wears the smile
of a thousand rising suns
she is lush green
and vibrant red
sugar cane
sweet

beaten but never
broken
let me tell you
about her spirit
worth more than
the price of
oil
or sugar
sparkles brighter than
stolen diamonds
more than
bodies broken
with disease
or mouths silenced
by hunger

She is
a hope that
never dies
A heart
that breaks
and bleeds
love
beautifully flawed

So
When you ask me
why I stand
tall and proud
I’ll tell you
It is because
I exist
one “amen”
to a billion
quiet prayers

I'll tell you
it is because
my name was
chosen with purpose
and declared
sacred

It is
because
I am
My mother’s
daughter

Ribbon Rouge 2009

I'll be performing at an AIDS fundraiser this Friday called Ribbon Rouge. This is it's 4th year running and it's a great night of fashion and entertainment. Click here for details!!!