Father said, there were leaders who gave up life for the cause “ people to stand all wars
But they stopped breathing
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life
But without it what makes life for me
I hear tranquil breezes yet murmured clatter and I feel your withdrawal, mama
Father said, I am his and you are never to misguide me but already I am experiencing growing pains, seeing stains of evil through your skin
Been swallowing poisons as every sound wave hits your eardrum
From this confusion, mama, I ask, whats going on?
I feel your touch which teaches the importance of libation and smile at your soothing lullabies by wise men and it makes me know love is there
But I know not where, mama
I hear about manifest destiny and with Father, I have met the Freedom Riders
and Oretha Haley
I listened to Biko tell of apartheid, listened to Mr. King tell of the stride to the statue of Lincoln while drinking impressionable juice
Choking when I saw the horrendous scars of hatred on Emmits face
The fast paced beat of my heart scares me
But Mother Tubman cuddles me and says its alright black child for we have made a way
Now I am almost here and Father whispers in my ear “
No weapon formed against you shall prosper
But there are no leaders just up until the battlemarchers because the die hard leaders have stopped breathing
What am I to do “ Theres not even an education advocacy “ remembering Mrs. Bethunes Institute and Mrs. Lucy Fosters longevity
What will I become?
Father said, A powerful leader in my name, son, until the day you stop breathing!