I Say I’m an Immortal Goddess

I am a wealthy woman working in the Senate. 

With skin like bronze, hair that coils up to the clouds, 

And brown eyes that twinkle in the sunlight, but will make you shiver 

In fear in the moonlight,  

5 You would think I’d be a slave in this town. 

But I walk these clay streets with long legs of justice, courage, and strength. 

I walk through the Senate meetings like I’m no woman of color, 

Like I’m not frowned upon, 

Like these white men don’t ask themselves “Where is her master? Where is her husband?” 

10 Like I’m not seen as nothing more than an “exotic” sexual pleasure. 

Like people don’t question why a black woman has any power. 

But regardless of what they say, I am feared. 

They fear me. 

I’m a threat to the common Roman. 

15 Conveniently so, like the gods and goddesses they fear and worship above, 

I have come to believe I am one of those goddesses; 

Except I am the African goddess.  

And because I am the African goddess, you will hear about me. 

My story and my triumph will become immortal because my name will echo. 

20 When you hear my name, you will think “She.” 

I am She. 

 And I say I’m an immortal goddess.