Who. I. Am.

MY ROOTS RUN DEEP They trace me all the way back to the open fields of Africa They give me a taste of the Caribbean life They ground me to the plantations in Savannah, Georgia They tell me my ancestors worked hard plowing the fields for what I have today MY ROOTS RUN WILD Placing a pep in my step that follow the rhythm of the drum Sending my body flying into the air creating a Grand Jeté Pushing my pen to paper following piano notes Placing a kink in my hair that don’t follow the normality of hair dynamics MY ROOTS STRETCH FAR They create a never-ending world for me to explore They touch each African American They connect to many individuals They create a never-ending web for me to untangle, to find out how I am My roots give me life; like a boiling pot of water, only with a sprinkle of spice. I am black. I hail from kings and queens Who ruled emperies for centuries Who’ve made a mark in history for African Americans like me I am woman. I hold the key to all civilization I run the world I’ve made a mark in the world for African American females younger than me I am different. I am NOT under the umbrella of “You People” I am a singer I am a dancer I am not a “nigger” I am experimental. I hail from Maya Angelo’s and Louis Armstrong’s Who ruled arts industries for decades Who’ve paved the way for African Americans like me My roots give me an identity, like a normal ID card but with more personality MY ROOTS RUN DEEP They give me the drive to better than my parents They give me the determination to reach my goals MY ROOTS RUN WILD Preparing me for the obstacles being placed before me Entertaining me with talents that course through my veins MY ROOTS STRETCH FAR They trace my family near and far to everyone in our tree all throughout the globe They tell me I have so far to go yet I’ve come so far. My roots give me a family; just like yours but with a dab of crazy. I come from a long line of women who have moved boulders for their loved ones. I come from a long line of men who have taken charge to protect their families. I come from a family that’s not perfect but perfect for me. I come from a family that’s utterly and completely unique. My roots give me everlasting love. MY ROOTS RUN DEEP MY ROOTS RUN WILD MY ROOTS STRETCH FAR I am Monet. I know who I am and where I come from But the question is. Do you know who you are?