Go, Tell Michelle by Nevergold Barbara A. Seals;Brooks-Bertram Peggy;Brooks-Bertram Peggy;Nevergold Barbara A Seals;

Author:Nevergold, Barbara A. Seals;Brooks-Bertram, Peggy;Brooks-Bertram, Peggy;Nevergold, Barbara A Seals;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 2009-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

SO MUCH OF THE WOMAN I AM

Up from the pine trees and the tall grass

And the seaweeds surrounding the

Gullah peoples in a little town in the south,

Sprang forth a humanity that is

Deep in you.

Into the hallowed hallways

And the sterile rooms

And the stately facades preserving the

Privileged in ivy buildings up north

You revealed an intelligence that is undenying.

Back on the home front and the busy streets

And the daily duties of a professional, wife, mother, daughter,

Sister, friend

You found a way to gracefully bring balance and beauty

To a world that is sometimes cold and unforgiving.

For so many, you paint a different picture;

Tell another story.

For me, you represent so many of the women I know,

So much of the woman I am.

The powerful, queen, warrior-mothers of the past are within you

And they are proud.

The favored children of the future are within you

And they are blessed.

The visionary, hardworking, and strong Black women of today are within you

And we are thankful.

So much of the woman you are—

We are.

So much of the elegance, dignity, strength, and character you display

We see everyday in ourselves.

When the days become endless and dreary,

And the weight seems too hard to bear

Look in the mirror and see all of the women who have come before you

And made it under dreadful circumstances.

See all of the children who have yet to come, and know you shine a light so bright that will make their world a more livable place.

See me—cheering you on, giving you hope, holding your hand, reminding you daily that Strong women keep getting stronger.

At the end of the day, when the outside world is gone, it is you who must decide to hug your children, kiss your husband, respect your mother, protect your family and love yourself.

And at the end of the day, when the world outside is gone,

Please always know,

So much of the woman you are, I am.

And I am here . . .

Sending you love.

Donna Aza Smith

Donna Aza Smith grew up in the low country of South Carolina. She is an engineer and is currently a consultant residing in Washington, D.C. She weaves words the way her grandparents weaved sweetgrass baskets. She combines her career and life experiences to captivate, enlighten, and inspire with her poignant style.

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