Recently, I was looking through my InstaGram account and I stumbled across what I thought to be an interesting picture. Putting aside the obvious celebrity factor of it being a photograph of Blue Ivy and Beyonce, I saw a poetic transition of wealth, power, and might. Because of this, I was immediately inspired to write this poem.
You see, a picture speaks volumes, but it's interpretation is always up to the viewer.
Please enjoy this observation in iambic pentameter, but be sure to let me know your thoughts as well....
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A Black Mother's Milk
Sean C. Robinson
A Black mother's milk is an amazing thing;
It nurtures the soul, it empowers the brain.
It is a natural, sweet nectar of pure DNA,
It connects the past to the future, don't give it away.
For 2.5 centuries, this black nectar was used
To feed master's children: making them strong, wise and infused.
But, at the same time, we were told to stop feeding our own;
Leaving young minds to be altered as enslavement built clones.
You see, our captors knew the importance of connections through health;
How vital those stem cells are to strong mental wealth.
Instead, they convinced you that drugs in chalky, white paste
Can replace your true nurturing when you're consumed with haste.
But still, the most beautiful thing that there ever could be
Is the passing of knowledge to a branch from a tree,
So, let's return to old ways and nurture our seeds
Because a Black mother's milk is all this world needs.
This is my favorite part:"Is the passing of knowledge to a branch from a tree,
ReplyDeleteSo return to "old ways" and nurture your own seed."This poem is not only beautifully written but it is a sad reality check on how our cultural patrimony is taught to be uncouth.Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you, Giovanni.
DeleteI was moved by the image immediately and just contributed works to the artist's vision. He or she is truly deserving of all the credit for invoking thought and inspiring a dialogue that needs to be had.
Thank you, my Haitian Queen, for joining the conversation! I appreciate you more than you know...
Great passage and analogy to the true struggle and plight of African Americans who built this country with mother’s milk and muscle. Never appreciated or rightly acknowledged for our contributions. Ridiculed and hated for our skin and hair, stolen identity and heritage beaten for our desire for freedom, education and independence. We should as eloquently mentioned in your passage, "Return to our old ways and nurture our own seed".
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful Sean. I love it, you described your love for black women and their sacrifices and things that were forced upon them so beautiful. Wonderful job. I am blessed and proud to call you brother.
ReplyDelete