sister salute

Photo Cred: Ryan Christof

To my sisters in war
(Because sometimes
that’s what it feels like)
I salute you
Not in the way countries do
To validate their crimes
soaked in honor and the blood of others
I salute you
the way our ancestors do
I offer
I notice
I make room
For your beauty and courage
That is also dripping
In a political context
That tries to convince us
to forget our origins

Today
Dancing to the djembe,
Sweating freedom
Heart in rhythm
As I bow to the music-maker
Hands out...
I also bow to you
Your music
And the sound you make
to create the revolution
we have to compose daily
It keeps me
stomping
moving
flowing

You all inspire me to continue
manifesting dust storms from my birthplace