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African Sisterhood
By Peggy
Brooks-Bertram
African sisters, we shook the universe last
night.
Our souls intermingled when we held on
tight,
to those whose voices cracked in pain
and those who thought they could abstain,
with ancestors swirling all about,
urging us to sing and shout.
Demanding that we find the strength to break
the chains that cause us African women pain.
Like men, and hair and shades of skin and
other demons locked within.
And, there were those who thought they could
abstain
with ancestors swirling all about
directing us to sing and shout.
“Raise your hands in her direction, give
that sister your protection.”
Release her from her terrible pain, make
this sister whole again.
Demons begone! Demons begone! Demons begone!
These African sisters claim their power and
demand you leave within the hour!
And still there were those who thought they
could abstain
with ancestors swirling all about,
urging us to sing and shout:
“This little light of mine, “I’m gonna let
it shine,” “This little light of mine, “I’m
gonna let it shine,” “This little light of
mine, I’m gonna let it shine,”
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
Someone hold that sister, soothe her fears,
kiss her face, wipe her tears.
One by one, each in turn would find the
strength to stand and say,
I need you, I love you and I’m so glad I’m
here today.
Till there were none who could abstain
with ancestors swirling all about,
directing us to sing and shout,
commanding demons to get out!
We shook the universe last night.
Our souls inter-mingled as we held on tight,
promising each other to stay in touch
With the African sisterhood we need so much.
Yes, we shook the universe last night.
Copyright
Peggy Brooks-Bertram
April 22,
1990
Melanin
Conference, Houston Texas, 1990
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