"Black girl
you are more
than magic
you are a miracle
because we were never
meant to survive
not as human beings
yet despite their best efforts
to grind us down
still we rise
we strut
dazzle
and defy the odds"
Zetta Elliott is such an admirable writer. She did not consider herself a poet. A writer, for sure. She rarely wrote poetry. When she was asked to help prepare high school students who were tasked with paying tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks, she found they had little knowledge of Ms. Brooks' work, or the work of other Black female poets. She set about sharing her favorite works as mentor texts for her students and herself. The poems written for this book are the result of that work. A poet she is!
It is a very special tribute, covering numerous topics often unique to black women. It comes straight from the heart and is empowering in every way. The struggles are recognized as both personal and part of the systemic racism faced each and every day. Mentor poems from Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, Phyllis Wheatley, and Nikki Giovanni inspire her writing as do many known events. Each is acknowledged in the notes that follow this amazing collection.
Reading these poems challenges those who share them. They demand attention, thoughtfulness, celebration, and anger. They ask us to remember, to discuss, to never ignore their clear message, and to act. Inspiration for the work is clearly stated in the notes, reminding readers that being silent is not a solution.
The artwork is a bold accompaniment to the presented poems. It speaks to beauty, to strength, to the overwhelming responsibility given to all who read the words to take action, and to keep the memories alive. They are filled with emotions too numerous to name. The last poem is a gift to all who read this valuable collection:
"BLESSING
May you have a resilient spirit,
and a compassionate heart,
the desire to heal,
and the will to forgive.
May you never exhaust
your capacity for kindness.
May you always find peace
in your home and in your mind.
and a compassionate heart,
the desire to heal,
and the will to forgive.
May you never exhaust
your capacity for kindness.
May you always find peace
in your home and in your mind.
May your eyes be awake
to the beauty all around you.
May your ears be tuned
to the varied songs of life.
May your arms always be ready
to embrace those needing comfort,
and may even the simplest blessings
to the beauty all around you.
May your ears be tuned
to the varied songs of life.
May your arms always be ready
to embrace those needing comfort,
and may even the simplest blessings
fill your heart with gratitude."
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