SISTERHOOD
In the beginning we had a basic sense of sisterhood
When one of us was thirsty we didn’t just offer the other a drink, if needed
We helped them reach the fountain...
No need to think… we just did…
SISTERHOOD
Somewhere between puberty
And the need to be seen
We lost that basic sense.
Rivalry took the forefront
What “I” want instead of what “you” need
Greed… one of the seven deadliest sins
Thus begins our story... And ends our relationship.
Yet, it does not end me
I still feel the basic sense to offer a step up
A full cup… I would give you half…
I will not laugh at your pain…
I will celebrate your gains...
And not curse your name just because you might have hurt me...
We all make mistakes.
One bad apple don’t spoil the whole bunch.
Sisterhood
Is important for “us” to survive…
It kept us alive through slavery.
Gave us bravery in the sight of Jim Crow…the Klan…
Holding your hand reminds me of who I am…
I cannot dismiss you…without dismissing myself.
So for a second… we need to put
Pride
Greed
Low self esteem
Past hurt
Need for the affections of a man… on a dusty shelf and remember
That we are more!
More than what the stereotypes make us out to be…
That we are more than cat fights and rivalries… We are Sisters… Queens
And we built this Nation!
And though some are lost…and will forever be somewhere
Between puberty and womanhood
Seeking Acceptance outside of self…
We can still embrace
And together climb the mountain.
And when I am thirsty don’t just offer me a drink…
Help me reach…the fountain …
Sawubona Queens!
~Nile
Sawubono is a Zulu greeting, which means “I see you, you are important to me and I value you.” ... In response to this greeting, people usually say “Shiboka”, which means, “I exist because you see me.”