Ode to Mother Sistah

I’m not a mother
Though one day
I may be
I can give them all
The tools you gave
To nurture me

I’ve seen you fight many battles
Always spear in hand
Necessary showdowns for
Surviving this great land

In you I see color
So vivid it’s 3-D
It speaks so loudly to me
Enforcing creativity

You taught me freedom singing
And dance that is true
Necessary arts
To throw away my blues

I sum this up by saying
I’m forever gratefully yours
My mother/sistah friends

Giving, handing, mending
Our hearts, bodies, souls and minds
Never asking for repayment
And often last in line

You will never be forgotten
For upon this earth
Your mark remains
Blending freshly with the soil
And in Mother Earth’s tear stains

In Celebration of the Women Who Nurture Me! Thank You!

I recently turned 30 and I began to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly things that got me here. These are a few of the things I have learned and am continuing to learn on my journey: 1) I can learn from every living thing. 2) If I haven’t learned from the experience, I will repeat the lesson. 3) No thing is constant. 4) I am learning to be less judgmental. Often times, the things I don’t like in others are the characteristics I am not yet willing to face in myself. 5) I’ve learned that I am a very open person, and feel deeply for others. This does mean I should take on every person’s problem(s) as my own. 6) I’ve learned that it is okay to say no. I used to struggle with feelings of guilt for fear I’d disappoint someone if I say no. 7) I’m learning to worry less, and let the Universe do the rest. Sometimes the universe’s response is way bigger and better than what I could’ve planned. 8) I’ve learned that for my own growth, I must surround myself with people who can foster it. 9) I am learning to be gentle with myself. 10) I am learning to forgive myself for past and current transgressions.