29 January 2015

born to bear

waiting in line
to receive a blanket
she not quite able to stand 
straight after countless years
of heavy work that begins
in early girlhood
carrying small loads
upon the head
developing neck strength
and courage

some weeks ago
before the storms
I woke with the words
African women 
are born
to bear burdens

the evidence is clear
in the way they tend to
children, families
in the way they love
in the way they pray
in the way they remain 
standing
still

 Be prepared. 
You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. 
Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, 
so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.  

 

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