Dear Ancestors

I celebrate you in each one of my dreams. Day after night — you liberate me.

I never leave you behind.

The art from every breath you took, left colourful brushstrokes on my skin. I carry you with me in the marrow of my bones, just as you carried me in your womb — your hopes and dreams.

Through your blood, your bones, your water, your melanin, I have inherited the status of a melaninaire. Tell me how I can ever repay my debt to you?

Take me to the water, wave after wave after wave, there I salute you night after day — as you leave and as you remain.

Sometimes, my thoughts become loud and wild — and filled by vengeful plots. The twist is, those are the moments when your whispers are at their loudest. Reminded of who I am, and who I am not. I nod and hum along. I am a redemption song.

I am your most lucid dreams. Quiet and wild.

You taught me — a lioness only roars when required. An entire lesson and a story, in just six words. I am mindful, I can only hope — that others are mindful how they stare.

So, I choose living over existing. I choose Blackness as it has chosen me. I choose my own name — and will not answer to any other.

Every. Single. Night. Every. Single. Day. I avenge you, with every breath that I take.

Yours for always,

D