Cooked Potatoes

This is another poem written during The Power of Language workshop lead by Kayo Chingonyi, as part of the Acts of Rebellion event at  October Gallery . And inspired by the image of Brittany Newsome, who climbed up a flagpole in South Carolina and pulled down the Confederate Flag, as she was being arrested. Woman so brave brings down the confederate flag Woman so brave. Like the carved statue on the prow of a ship, breast exposed to the storm and the stones That the centuries have seen poured over your blood and your race. As white officers, agents of hate come punctual to your arrest you remain entirely yourself acrobat of the skies free bird that was dreamt by the slaves

I wrote this poem during the Power of Language workshop , lead by poet  Kayo Chingonyi  , as part of the Acts of Rebellion event so beautifully organized by  October Gallery Education At school I was Neither Blonde, nor blue eyed and butter melted in my mouth. Could not blend nor fit in So I decided to be bad. It caused me conflict That pendulum dance Between being very god And very bad. Spit, bite, curse, kick “Such and angry little girl!” Dishonored many Of the Commandments. No one would recognize me On the first day of May Bringing flowers to the Virgin Writing notes to the almighty Swearing to atone for my sins Family tragedies guilty Burdens on my shoulders Or later crying my eyes out In the middle of a party Because boys danced With...guess... Blue eyed girls Girls with tameable hair Girls with sweet voices With perfect smiles Girls who didn’t swear or smoked pot In the dark. And so I grew to learn and...