I want to write a poem that
moves with the cadence and crescendo of
an old Negro spiritual;

I want to write a poem that
reaches into the bowel of humanity in a vise like grip
milking out compassion and tolerance;

I want to write a poem that
shares the test of walking through fire
singe hair charred limbs testifying of survival;

I want to write a poem to make you
shout ‘SING Mahalia!’;

I want to write a poem that
has you declaring, ‘SAY THAT Aretha!’;

I want to write a poem that
reminds you of your granma humming
in the kitchen;

I want to write a poem that
talks about drowning
and learning to swim;

I want to write a poem
like Martin preached,
like Malcom taught,
like Fannie evangelized,
like Harriet healed;

I want to write a poem about
having no way and
watching barriers divide like
so much sliced bread

I want to write a poem that
reminds me of who I am and
tells you who we could all be;

I want to write a poem that
covers you and admonishes you to
be more to ask for more to
live more to love to Love to
LOVE

I want to write a poem and
I want you to read that poem and
know that there is

ALWAYS a way
there is always a healing
there is always always
a going home
a coming to
a resolution
there is always absolution;

I want to write a poem
dedicated to the best part of
who we’ve been;

I want to write a poem
that forgives us;

I want to write us a poem that
gives us prayer and stands in the
doorway hand extended offering sisterhood
and acceptance;

I want to write a poem and
I want to write it with you
Will you
Could you
Won’t you
Write a poem with me?