You,
being her
loving whisperer
makes her float
then dissipate free
into the sky

Our connection
is ancient
Her nature being
fluid and female
"Be gentle"
She says as still
as stone
She gathers the ripples
from her slow movement
encouraging me
to speak my truth
with intention
and soft conviction
"Ask and you shall receive"

She tells us many things
the spirit of water
but we are too
loud to listen
speak to her softly
protect her
She is the life force
that will heal us
before it is too late

They don't see us

We are the shadows
of white men
with whips
tearing us to the bone
for cotton filled dreams
of greed and betrayal

They don't see us

We are the
product of their hatred
in the flesh
look what they've done
stained our skin
with our own blood
then convict themselves
with impunity

You don't see me

My skin is black
and I am human

After all the fatal cuts
you gave to me
Quietly looking the other way
hoping not to
catch a glimpse of God