Let Me BREATHE

I am a black mother, single parent of 4.

Do you recall how single parenting resulted in America? Willy Lynch ring a bell. Did you not watch Larry King live when he aired Tyler Perry this year... he said thrice..."It has been said that the black female is the strongest individual figure in America"?

It is known that the African American woman, get the tail end of recognition; but she is not the problem. She is the axis that hold the black community together; even in her degradation, being demoralized, raped, abuse, used, walked upon, slain and used as a mother to white America's children as they suckled her breast. But now, you have a problem with her. Your white children sucking up her seed from the black man, killing themselves with skin cancer through tanning, turning the country brown and we can't figure out where their children's ancestry lines start or finish. Very seldom do you find the black woman in the homes as wife of white men; yet they sneak n creep with them day and night. We were used as breeding machines, milking stations, and bed post by white America... but shhhhh no one will write, talk or apologize for that! Back in the day... white children died young... it was our breast milk that kept them alive!

Lets not mention, it was our sons that won the House of Representative and the US Senate on 5 years after slavery and white America stole that too!

I am woman...Black woman. Get off our backs! Stand on your own your own two feet!

Where would America be if it weren't for the black woman.

Appreciation is due! Let us not even bring up... OUR land that was left in wills of white slave masters were stolen from us, our mules or the 40 acres; so there is no wonder thieves rule America!!!

I AM A STRONG BLACK WOMAN of African/Navajo decent born in America in bloody waters... Let me breathe and leave my sons alone.

Rise on your own moment and see where we all end up.

An Unconventional Home I,ve Built

For me, home that has been defined by standards set of the masses, has eluded me or I it. As I seek for the joys of unity of the whole, I and I alone has found myself without. Who is there to place blame upon; but Self or myself? No one.

For it is I. Am I not the creator of my domicile? Yes! I alone have created this unconventional thing called my HOME= House of Meager existence.

Many come through and appreciate the fullness there of and express the desires to be apart; by calling me the most highest badge of honor: Mama. Although this title has been taken for granted; those of us who know and realize the greatness of a stranger's call understand the fullness it brings.

My door has been revolving to the hungry, the sadden, the lost, strayed and/or betrayed. I have held my hand out the lift up, coast along, or to shield pain of those persons who have for whatever the reason chosen me as that one, who makes a difference in their lives. Oh how many have entered and exited these walls taking their morsel and leaving a trace of love. No one can tell you how comforting and self fulfilling this has become.

This home in which I have cultivated and manifested, is a place of solace, comfort and care; although those looking in from the outside many have called it chaotic. Many would deem it disorderly and not enough discipline. One may even find that those on the inside differ in their opinions of the status. I contend, in this home there lies hope, love and desire; even a longing for greater, better, truth, caring, trials, triumphs, victories and knowing that we are ever forgiving, ever changing and ever evovleing into greatness we were destined to be.

I also contend this is a grand house and it's walls are unalterable for it was built on a foundation of hope. This home I built with not an example, no assistance, lack of direction has stood the test of time.

I celebrate today this house and the magic it has harnessed over time to sustain the elements of each day. I celebrate the renewing called today and I honor the allowance of opportunity called tomorrow.

I ask who shall judge this home? Lest they have studied it's walls and found it's secrets of resiliency within; shall they stand in confrontation or expectation therein.