I am black like
the little mollusks in the riverbed:
firm but fragile
not void, but filled
with vibrant life
that should not have to
be so resilient
that should sing for joy more often
than singing the songs
that survivors of slavery
crystallized to protect their hope and strength
in words and melodies
that persist and inspire
in the present sonic sustenance.
I sing because
I am black like them.
