Turn the Porch Light on

You have been strong for everyone else.

Carried burdens the sizes of boulders

tugged and lifted pain and sorrow

like pulling a buggy

You have tasted loss

like salt seasons the ocean

you have traveled to far away lands

and no one but your kidnappers

remember your name;

How do we speak of ghosts

when they still live among us

how do we carry your song.

You have been everything to everyone else

Mama

Daddy

Aunty

Sister

Daughter

Survivor

Warrior

Queen

Your body has become a feast of a buffet

consumers snatching from your soul

like pull-away bread

You have given everything you could

Stretched as far as elastic could go

but you forgot

you were made of bones

and this home you've resided in

this temple of a body you've loaned

out to so many who have never paid

the cost

I wish you could see your smile

the way it lights up a room

or your calloused hands

from fighting battles you

never signed up for,

I for one, appreciate you

I see you brown girl.

You do not have to stand

at the light post tonight

afraid the darkness will come

don't be afraid to dream brown girl

your nightmares are proof that you

are alive

but rest is still for the weary

I promise you can close your eyes.

You have already deserved the world.

It is time for us to show up for you.

When your light is dim, I will hold the flame.

When you can't seem to smile

I will help you outline your lips

like a crescent moon

I will lend my ears and listen

When you can't seem to carry on,

I will carry you on my back,

I will pack water and food for the journey

until we have arrived to everything

your heart desires.

brown girl, you are more than enough.

You are more than enough

and I lay out my heart for you.