We got over
because of the childless women
whko mothered and fathered us---
Bronzed, charcoal hued steel pulse
aunts who taught us, "blacker the berry,
the sweeter the juice."
That our butts would "roke like orka..."
if we failed tgo fight back;
That we were "created in the image
of God---whko don't like ugly
and never did create none;"
That we should remember,
"Papa called you 'Black Pattie'
long before Terry wrote "Tar Baby"---
That,way back then---way back yonder,
we were and still are:
beautifully black and beautiful.
Indeed, we got over
because of those sable soul sisters
scaffolding the bridges we crossed over on:
Teaching us to love and praise our Mother
who birth us here.