Black Mother Woman by Audre Lorde 1971

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I cannot recall you gentle
yet through your heavy love
I have become
an image of your once-delicate flesh
split with deceitful longings.

When strangers come and compliment me
your aged spirit takes a bow
jingling with pride
but once you hid that secret
in the center of your fury
hanging me
with deep breasts and wiry hair
your own split flesh
and long-suffering eyes
buried in myths of little worth.

But I have peeled away your anger
down to its core of love
and look mother
I am a dark temple
where your true spirit rises
beautiful     tough as chestnut
stanchion against nightmares of weakness
and if my eyes conceal
a squadron of conflicting rebellions
I learned from you
to define myself
through your denials.

Good Morning.

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You are my light.
I need you to shine for me.

From the desolation
of my heart,
I need you to save me.

There aren’t many easy days.
But if we love righteously,
complaints will fade away.

My life, my love, my beauty,
I’d give all to kiss
your awaiting lips.

© 2010 Malcolm Jarell