My ancestors are

Explorers

         during divine twilight become

Jordan river sailors baptized in north star

Traders

along the middle passage

supply international stock exchange.

Farmers

handcrafted new lands

soil rich from back breaking beatings.

Settlers           

once Congo Kings and Queens bathed in

Nile dawns.

 

My ancestors are

Orphans         

   kidnapped children

given names of captors.

Livestock       

                Beast of burden

   castrated by America.

Canvas           

brushed thick red with scars

 craft brownish crimson dashiki of flesh.

Flowers

  dangle on death beds

 elevated funeral vacant from all but disdain.

 

My ancestors are

Dancers

dance freedom within cages

 feet shackled bound by soul clanking echoes.

Singers

harmonize spirituals to rest

       restless souls search for peace.

Immortals      

married in unholy matrimony

   inherit a curse casted by Victorian savages.

 

My ancestors are

Survivors.      

   Surviving through us