Force: The Reckoning
For Marley K
--
Black people need more voices
willing to shout at the darkness
of every sky moving in to
silence us without our knowledge.
We should rally around those
who spit-shine their A-Game and
ready themselves for battle —
Queens and Kings walking on
coal, tipped a mere 10% for
their undying efforts.
One such woman uses her gift
of gab to stab many who have
offended us in the front because
to do so in their backs would
be an act of cowardice.
She is bold and unrelenting,
she has goals that surpass whatever
you think you can dream up,
and she's unafraid to clap back.
Think you're cold enough to
waltz in a ring with her when
the topics of racism, social injustice,
and racial divide are on the table?
I'd love to see you try your hand
at pulling up a seat.
I'm betting you. will. lose.
It's this way for her because
she loves her people.
She goes to war for her people.
She will die for her people.
Draped in every day armor
because the South is a constant
battlefield, this life will
never end — black people cannot
escape it.
Freeing ourselves is an
ongoing agenda with nonstop
weekly itineraries to keep
us safe.
They say we aren't shackled
but they're still holding
the chains.
She sees it and calls it out.
For her, covering up
who you really are,
only makes coming after you
easier.
©2021 Tremaine L. Loadholt
Marley K. is like the passionate Auntie you know not to cross but who will go to war for you if she has to. And when you come for her, you better be ready. Thank you, Marley, for your voice and your presence.
