In the midst of alienation.
Sometimes we only feel connected to our voices.
–Our blood.
–Our families.
–Those friends who have proven themselves to be like family.
……God.

And then there are ideas.
There is poetry that understands. It undulates. It spins around like a protective blanket. Restoring my skin. Rejuvenating soul.

There is positive politics. There is potential. — Suddenly you feel it. The possibility for change.

All of the above give me nourishment. They make me invincible. They keep me strong.
Honestly, I need nothing else.

Mind. Blood. Spirit.
Just voices that tell me that values and energy… justice.
all these things are good.
My ancestors see me. I hear them.
Its becoming clearer as I grow more strong.
Its more distinct as my back gains the power to hold it all.

Even when the world seems empty.
I am here.
because the close ones are here… even if i just hear them whispering soft.

I still believe in goodness. The potential for real just fairness… The potential for understanding.
The potential for full liberation with no one left behind.

When my family isn’t here… when my voice is not strong…Powerful ideas still live and thrive.
Swiring.
Thriving.
Changing.
Singing.
Comforting.
Inspiring.
Keeping me fed — Alive.

Right now as I think about my life moving forward and the “rememory” of the past… I think about the poetry of Lucille Clifton. A poet whose words dance. Her simplicity stuns. She is radiant and i love each and every word. I hold her words close. The love. The justice. The strength. The understanding of all those things that intersect causing me pain… bringing me insight… churning inspiration and liberation.

i am accused of tending to the past— lucille clifton

i am accused of tending to the past
as if i made it,
as if i sculpted it
with my own hands. i did not.
this past was waiting for me
when i came,
a monstrous unnamed baby,
and i with my mother’s itch
took it to breast
and named it
History.
she is more human now,
learning languages everyday,
remembering faces, names and dates.
when she is strong enough to travel
on her own, beware, she will.