The Girl Speaks of Women

I’ve seen a woman:
I’ve seen a woman with hurting eyes and the warmest smile
      That gave me a preview into who I wanted to be—

Strong and willful in the harshest of times.

I’ve seen a woman:
Who always fed an army of seven hectic little ones and herself.
Whose stressed face inspired a 12-year old to hustle candy at school.
Who whupped disrespectful youth; Who gave the confused clarification.
Who cared for strangers in cold, white, secluded rooms.
Who gave the perfect pep talk in those I-can’t-go-on-situations.
Who was fruitless but more of a momma than actual birthers.
Who gained superman-like strength to carry the weak and powerless.
Who gave the greatness she promised me; Who expected greatness from me.
Who was fluent and bilingual when singing to society,
       And taught me how to sing loud and well
       And how to smile like I meant it
       Even when I did or did not mean it.

I’ve seen all types of women:
From my Great Grand to my Sister—
Full-time Homemakers,
Picketers and Silent Protesters,
Nurses and unofficial Doctors,
Afro-combing Business Owners,
Penny-Pinchers, Nation-Lifters
In-their-own-right kind of Queens,
As-caring-as-your-momma Neighbors,
and Soul food Chefs
and Soulful Trainers
and Truth Teachers
and Passionate Preachers
—The Real Women

And I will be relentless, too.