Poem: Bury Me in a Free Land by Frances Harper

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Make me a grave where’er you will, In a lowly plain, or a lofty hill; Make it among earth’s humblest graves, But not in a land where men are slaves. I could not rest if around my grave I heard the steps of a trembling slave; His shadow above my silentContinueContinue reading “Poem: Bury Me in a Free Land by Frances Harper”

POEM: I Am from…

I am LaShawnda, sister of Kim and Nicolette. We are daughters of Terry Ann, the daughter of Bessie Mae, The daughter of Lizzie, the daughter of Mae Emma, the daughter of Many Unknowns. I am from coconut oil and bergamot grease From pinto beans and bananas. I am from the light. From home-cooked meals andContinueContinue reading “POEM: I Am from…”

POEM: Elegy: Cousin Tish – Baby Woman Mother

Elegy: Cousin Tish – Baby Woman Mother Playing house is different with baby cousins, lil’ brothers and sisters and the mannish boys in the neighborhood. Who needs a fake baby with real baby cousins in reach? Tish was a chubby, curly-haired infant, rosy-cheeked girly-girl toddler adorable, rambunctious, loved. Rolling over, pushing up learning to walk,ContinueContinue reading “POEM: Elegy: Cousin Tish – Baby Woman Mother”

Poem: Be Anything

I had such bright hopes and dreams when I believed I could be anything I tried strived over-achieved if thoughts manifest reality the American Dream wouldn’t be unreachable and life would be different all I truly wanted was freedom to be me without threat, violence shame or compromise how tragic being me proved to beContinueContinue reading “Poem: Be Anything”

Poem: Death is passive. Killing is not.

Poem: Death is passive, killing is not. by LaShawnda Jones

Breathing is active.
Breath is sacred.
Air is life.
We are all created beings
with the same Right to Life
and unhindered breathing.
Access to air should not depend on
Assumptions, opinions, political views,
Occupation, wealth, social status,
Skin color, mood, hatred of fellow humans
or self-hatred. Access to air should
not require legislation.
Yet here we are.