Collaboration with my amazingly fierce Warrior Sister Kindra M. Austin
Yes, I know my place—
And it’s not in the shadows of darkened corners,
Slumped over and bleeding, weeping.
It’s not in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant or otherwise.
It’s not in the hospital having bones reset, or split lips stitched.
Yes, I know my place—
Push me down, drag me out,
And I will get up on my two feet
Because my place is to stand among my Warrior Sisters
I have been out of place
cowering, confused by calamities
conforming, if only for moments
to lessened expectations
I have been out of place
biting my lip
silencing caustic retorts
eviscerating commentary
on the lot I was caste
I have been out of place
head shamefully bowed
hiding my brilliant plumage
muffling scintillating wit
lest I overstep, overshadow
narrowly defined confines
Shed used skin—toss it away
And open eyes, newborn light.
Hold on heart, the time is now—
Cast aside those ropes,
Take up your banner.
Riot for your life.
it has been said
I am out of line
dare I speak too loudly
of my truths
my place is colored riotous rainbows
outside your compliant lines
it has been said
I am out of line
dare I dance with abandon
in the face of obsolescence
my place is scented midnight jasmine
in the garden where my good
overgrows obsequious evils
Insights from "Inside" 